New bachelor’s thesis summarises research data about the benefits of oxygen nanobubbles in horticulture.
In the horticulturist Mira Korhonen’s thesis “Effects and Significance of Oxygen Concentration in Irrigation Water to Plant Growth in Horticulture”, published in the Spring 2026, the relevance of oxygen in irrigation water to plant growth, crop yield and plant health was extensively studied. The thesis compiles up-to-date research data especially about the effects of oxygen nanobubble technology to horticulture.
Better oxygen concentration strengthens the plants roots and increases resistance
The thesis particularly highlighted the effect of the oxygen concentration in irrigation water on the root microbiome. Beneficial microbes need oxygen to grow and multiply. When the beneficial microbial population in the root system is strengthened, the plant’s natural resistance to disease improves.
In studies, irrigation water enriched with oxygen nanobubbles significantly reduced root diseases, such as Pythium, and in some cases, the disease was completely eliminated from the crop. In addition, nanobubbles were found to improve the hygienic quality of irrigation water by reducing the ability of harmful microbes to survive.
Natural oxygen, better yield
The studies reviewed in the thesis showed, that oxygen nanobubbles are one of the most efficient and steady ways to increase the oxygen concentration of irrigation water long-term.
Improved oxygen supply was seen in several of the studies as:
- increased biomass
- stronger roots
- better crop quality
- significantly higher yields
In a certain study, the yield of tomato increased by over 30%, and cucumber yield increased even 40–70% when comparing to ordinary irrigation.
Why exactly oxygen nanobubbles?
Oxygen nanobubbles differ from traditional air nanobubbles as well as micro- and macrobubbles in regards of their size. They can stay in water substantially longer and transport oxygen to the plants roots more efficiently.

When nanobubbles are produced from nearly pure oxygen, they provide a high and consistent oxygen concentration in the irrigation water. According to research, this makes oxygen nanobubbles and effective tool for both enhancing production and supporting crop well-being.
In addition, research literature suggests that improved root health can reduce the need for fertilisers and pesticides relative to the yield produced, supporting both profitability and environmental responsibility.
In conclusion: more yield, healthier plants and cleaner production
The conclusion of the thesis is clear: the oxygen concentration in irrigation water can have a significant impact on the crop quality, plant health as well as the efficiency and profitability of horticultural production. Oxygen nanobubble technology in particular offers a researched way to utilise the positive effects of oxygen in a long-term and controlled manner.
In greenhouse and open field cultivation, where high yield levels, production safety and ecology are sought, oxygen nanobubbles appear to be a promising solution for future cultivation.
Read the whole thesis:
The thesis is available in Finnish, English, Swedish, German, and Norwegian. You can order the thesis via our contact form.
Do you want to know how oxygen nanobubbles could benefit your production? Contact EOD’s expert horticulturist Mira Korhonen either by phone +358 503544300 or by email mira@eod.fi, and she will be delighted to share more about practical experiences and results with various crops and answer questions related to her thesis.

























