Using a combination of innovative electronic technologies (MAXGROW and a generator of Agro-Nanobubbles) for growing lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L.) in different soil types in potsunder high salinity irrigation water management

Nowadays, as the population continues to grow, climate change is affecting more and more areas worldwide. One of them is agriculture, and more specifically, salinity not only in irrigation water but also in the soil. The accumulation of salt degrades the quality of the plants and simultaneously reduces soil productivity. Therefore, the goals of the United Nations become more doubtful but, at the same time, more urgent than ever. It is necessary to adopt sustainable methods that improve water quality through innovative irrigation systems to ensure food security for the population in the near future and protect the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of these two technologies for growing lettuce (Lollo Verde and Lollo Rossa) with high-saline irrigation water (E.C.i = 12 dS/m) in pots filled with five different soil textures. These two innovative electronic technologies were: i) a generator of Agro-Nanobubbles (Agro-NBs) and ii) an electronic water treatment system, using low-frequency radiation waves (MAXGROW). More specifically, the main treatments were the following: a. control / regular tap water (E.C.i =1 dS/m), b. regular tap irrigation water + MAXGROW + Agro-NBs c. saline irrigation water enriched with Agro-NBs, d. saline irrigation water + MAXGROW, and e. saline irrigation water + MAXGROW + Agro-NBs, for each variety. Various vegetable agronomic and quality parameters were measured. In conclusion, the results showed that the vegetable yield was not only not negatively affected, but also increased (5% to 20%), and the plants were improved both in their length (0% up to 14%) and quality (Chlorophyll fluorescence emission (fv/fm) non-statistical significance). The study demonstrates that, with technological advances, agriculture is well-positioned to address many environmental challenges while promoting sustainability and reducing its ecological footprint.