Hydrogen nanobubble water injection for industrial crop irrigation

Abstract

A method for irrigating crops with hydrogen-rich water using nanobubbles to increase the concentration of cannabidiol (CBD) in the crops has been disclosed.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63,077,762, filed September 14, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to methods and processes for producing hydrogen-rich water (HRW) and for using it to irrigate industrial crops, particularly industrial crops such as hemp, corn, crops used to produce essential oils (e.g., lavender, rapeseed, flaxseed) and fibers (e.g., coconut fiber, cotton, flax). Background Technology

[0004] Studies have shown that molecular hydrogen has unique properties that are beneficial to agricultural production. For example, Lim et al., “Genetic engineering in agriculture: hydrogen uptake (hup) genes”, Trends in biochemical sciences, 5(6), 167-170, 1980; Zeng et al., “Progress in the study of biological effects of hydrogen on higher plants and its promising application in agriculture”, Medical Gas Research, 4(1), 15, 2014; Hu et al., “Hydrogen-rich water delays postharvest ripening and senescence of kiwifruit”, Food chemistry, 156, 100-109, 2014; Zhang et al., “Protective effects of hydrogen-rich water on the photosynthetic apparatus of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.)”.As a result of an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities under high light stress, hydrogen-rich water has a protective effect on the photosynthetic organs of maize seedlings (corn) due to increased antioxidant enzyme activity. Plant growth regulation, 77(1), 43-56, 2015; Wang et al., “Linking hydrogen-mediated boron toxicity tolerance with improvement of root elongation, water status and reactive oxygen species balance: a case study for rice”, Annals of [Annals of Botany], 118(7), 1279-1291, 2016. The use of hydrogen in agricultural irrigation has great potential, potentially increasing agricultural yields, altering growth cycles, enhancing disease resistance, and reducing pesticide use. However, due to the limited solubility of hydrogen in water, conventional gas injection methods need modification. Nanobubbles are extremely small bubbles with a large surface area to volume ratio. The larger surface area allows for increased mass transfer. Therefore, the application of nanobubbles can address the problems of low solubility of H2 in water and the rapid decay of dissolved H2.

[0005] Hydrogen is a strong reducing agent. Zhang et al., “Hydrogen-rich water alleviates the toxicities of different stresses to mycelial growth in Hypsizygus marmoreus”, AMB Express, 7(1), 107, 2017, disclosed that hydrogen enhances antioxidant activity and reduces the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mycelium. Liu et al., “Antioxidant activity of hydrogen nanobubbles in water with different reactive oxygen species both in vivo and in vitro”, Langmuir, 34(39), 11878-11885, 2018, disclosed that nanobubbles enhance the antioxidant capacity of hydrogen water and that nanobubble hydrogen water can remove ROS from water. · OH, ClO - ONOO - and O2 ·-Zeng et al., “Molecular hydrogen is involved in phytohormone signaling and stress responses in plants,” PLoS ONE, 8(8), 2013, disclosed that hydrogen may also induce the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes. Zeng et al. believe that hydrogen may be an important signaling molecule, which may be involved in the regulation of plant hormone signaling pathways involved in plant growth and stress adaptation. Jin et al., “Hydrogen gas acts as a novel bioactive molecule in enhancing plant tolerance to paraquat-induced oxidative stress via the modulation of heme oxygenase-1 signaling system,” Plant, Cell & Environment, 36(5), 956-969, 2013, argue that hydrogen alleviates paraquat-induced oxidative stress by modulating heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling. Ohsawa et al., “Hydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals,” Nature Medicine, 13(6), 688-694, 2007, discloses that hydrogen also acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals.

[0006] Scribner et al.'s WO 01 / 08493A1 discloses a method to improve plant growth or yield (10%-30% increase in dry weight) by exposing soil to hydrogen (5% to 100%). Hydrogen can be produced through water electrolysis, electric current, or by H2-producing microorganisms that produce hydrogen directly in the soil.

[0007] Laurenzi et al.'s US 2017 / 0135295 A1 discloses a method for improving plant growth rate, plant health, and plant yield through irrigation using structured microwater. The dissolved hydrogen ranges from 0.01 to 10 ppm. The microwater is produced through electrolysis / ionization or the addition of chemicals and is more readily absorbed by plants via their aquaporins.

[0008] Ishikawa et al.'s EP 3190091 A1 discloses an apparatus for producing hydrogen-rich water for agricultural use by electrolyzing water. The invention claims that positively charged water with enhanced hydrogen bonds can reduce oxidation of plant root cell walls, thereby strengthening the root system.

[0009] Li et al.'s CN 108901763 A discloses a hydrogen nanobubble generator device with adjustable hydrogen concentration for agricultural irrigation. The hydrogen is produced via electrolysis. The adjustable hydrogen concentration is controlled by connecting multiple electrolytic cells in series.

[0010] Sun et al.'s KR 101989021 B1 discloses an apparatus for producing hydrogen-rich water for use in agriculture, livestock, and marine industries. High-hydrogen-concentration water is produced by increasing the hydrogen dissolution rate in pretreated water.

[0011] Liu et al.'s CN 110367426 A discloses an invention of a hydrogen nanobubble generating device using ultrasound and electrodes. The generated nanobubbles can range from 20-1000 nm. The expected dissolved hydrogen concentration can reach 3-6 ppm. This device is used to produce hydrogen-rich beverages with antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

[0012] Shen et al.'s CN 102657221 B discloses a method for preparing and applying HRW to regulate plant growth, wherein HRW ranging from 0.1% to 100% is prepared via water electrolysis, chemical reaction, fermentation, or gas cylinder. Applications include plant irrigation, spraying, soaking, or seed soaking of plants, including monocotyledonous, dicotyledonous, or seed-gymnosperms, comprising plants, inflorescences, fruits, or plant tissues.

[0013] Shen et al.'s CN 206494303 U discloses a design for a portable water bottle that can produce hydrogen-rich water to keep vegetables and flowers moist and extend their shelf life in daily life. The hydrogen-rich water is produced by an electrolysis device at the bottom of the bottle.

[0014] Shen et al.'s CN 206612119 U discloses a design for a preservation box that can spray hydrogen-rich water onto fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf life. The hydrogen-rich water is generated by an electrolysis device inside the preservation box, and its concentration can be monitored and adjusted. Summary of the Invention

[0015] A method for irrigating crops capable of producing cannabidiol (CBD) is disclosed, the method comprising:

[0016] Irrigate the crop with hydrogen-rich water containing nanobubbles (HRW-nano).

[0017] Therefore, compared with irrigation water with the same composition except for the absence of added hydrogen (control irrigation), the concentration of CBD in the crop increased due to irrigation with HRW-nano.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method further includes the following steps

[0019] The feed water pump delivers the water to the nanobubble generator; and

[0020] Hydrogen gas is injected into the nanobubble generator to form hydrogen nanobubbles in the water therein.

[0021] The flow rate of hydrogen and the flow rate of water fed into the nanobubble generator are controlled to achieve a consistent hydrogen nanobubble size.

[0022] In some embodiments, for the maximum diameter of the linear cross-length distance, these consistent average hydrogen nanobubble sizes range from about 20 to about 1000 nm, preferably less than about 200 nm.

[0023] In some embodiments, the concentration of hydrogen dissolved in the disclosed HRW ranges from about 0.1 to 1.6 mg / L.

[0024] In some embodiments, the concentration of hydrogen dissolved in the HRW is from about 0.6 mg / L to about 1.00 mg / L.

[0025] In some embodiments, the concentration of hydrogen dissolved in the HRW is approximately 0.8 mg / L.

[0026] In some embodiments, the crop is a plant of the Cannabisaceae family.

[0027] In some embodiments, the crop is a plant of the Cannabis genus.

[0028] In some embodiments, crops include one or more of the following: hemp, corn, and crops used to produce essential oils (e.g., lavender, rapeseed, flaxseed) and fibers (e.g., coconut fiber, cotton, flax).

[0029] In some embodiments, the crop is cannabis.

[0030] In some embodiments, the concentration of cannabidiol (CBD) increased by 20% to 40% by irrigation with this HRW-nano compared to control irrigation.

[0031] In some embodiments, the nanobubble generator is an apparatus capable of generating hydrogen nanobubbles in water with an average size of about 20 to about 1000 nm, preferably less than about 200 nm.

[0032] In some embodiments, the nanobubble generator is a centrifugal or turbopumped gas mixing device or a ceramic diffuser with a suitable surface coating.

[0033] In some embodiments, the cultivated crop and the resulting cultivated crop have an increased average size or weight compared to cultivated crops not irrigated with HRW.

[0034] In some embodiments, the cultivated crops, and compared with cultivated crops not irrigated with HRW-nano, have an increased average size or weight.

[0035] Annotations and naming

[0036] The following detailed description and claims utilize many abbreviations, symbols, and terms commonly known in the art, and include:

[0037] As used in this article, the indefinite article “a / an” should generally be interpreted as “one or more” unless otherwise stated or clearly indicated from the context to be in the singular form.

[0038] As used herein, “about” or “around or approximately” in the text or claims means ±10% of the stated value.

[0039] As used herein, "close to" or "close to" in the text or claims means within 10% of the stated item. For example, "close to saturation concentration" means within 10% of the saturation concentration.

[0040] The term "HRW-Nano" refers to hydrogen-containing water produced through the injection of hydrogen nanobubbles. HRW-Nano has a dissolved hydrogen concentration ranging from approximately 0.1 ppm to approximately 1.6 ppm. The dissolved hydrogen in HRW-Nano will remain at the target concentration in the solution for several hours, for example, up to 8 hours.

[0041] The term "HRW-Conventional" refers to hydrogen-containing water produced via conventional hydrogen injection (e.g., using a diffuser and Venturi injection system). HRW-Conventional has a dissolved hydrogen concentration ranging from approximately 0.1 ppm to approximately 1.6 ppm. The dissolved hydrogen in HRW-Conventional will be maintained at the target concentration in the solution for up to 4 hours.

[0042] The term "feed water" refers to ordinary irrigation water and / or nutrient media, such as fresh surface water, tap water, groundwater, effluent, and wastewater that has been treated by a tertiary treatment process to meet irrigation requirements (e.g., California requires advanced physical-chemical treatment and extended disinfection to meet the E. coli standard of less than 2 / 100 mL).

[0043] The term “biomass yield” or “yield” refers to the dry weight of the entire plant, including stems, leaves and buds.

[0044] The term "flower quality" refers to the dry weight of buds and leaves.

[0045] The term "true leaf" refers to a leaf with 5 to 7 endpoints.

[0046] The term "optimal or consistent" refers to a certain concentration of dissolved gas in a liquid that is stable under atmospheric conditions and does not degas within a short period of time (i.e., from a few hours to up to a day or two).

[0047] In this document, references to "some embodiments" or "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described with respect to that embodiment may be included in at least some embodiments of the invention. The phrase "in some embodiments" appearing in different places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment in all instances, and individual or alternative embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive with other embodiments. The foregoing also applies to the term "implementation".

[0048] As used herein, the term “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an instance, example, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or advantageous to other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the term “exemplary” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner.

[0049] Furthermore, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context, "X adopts A or B" is intended to mean any natural inclusive arrangement. That is, if X adopts A; X adopts B; or X adopts both A and B, then "X adopts A or B" is satisfied in any of the foregoing cases. Additionally, the article "a / an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be interpreted as meaning "one or more" unless otherwise stated or clearly indicated from the context to the singular form.

[0050] The term “comprising” in the claims is an open-ended transitional term, meaning that the subsequently defined elements of the claims are a non-exclusive list, i.e., anything else may be additionally included and remain within the scope of “comprising.” “Comprising” is defined herein as necessary to encompass the more restrictive transitional terms “substantially constitutes” and “consisting of”; therefore, “comprising” can be replaced by “substantially constitutes” or “consisting of” and remain within the clearly defined scope of “comprising.”

[0051] In the claims, "provide" is defined as meaning to supply, provide, make available, or prepare something. This step can, conversely, be performed by any actor in the absence of explicit language in the claims.

[0052] In this document, a range may be expressed as from about one specific value and / or to about another specific value. When such a range is expressed, it should be understood that another embodiment is from that one specific value and / or to that other specific value, together with all combinations within the range. Any and all ranges listed herein include their endpoints, i.e., x = 1 to 4 or x ranges from 1 to 4 including x = 1, x = 4, and any value between x = 4, regardless of whether the term "including endpoints" is used. Attached Figure Description

[0053] To further understand the nature and purpose of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are given the same or similar reference numerals, and wherein:

[0054] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment for generating hydrogen-rich water (HRW) or hydrogen-rich irrigation water;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an alternative exemplary embodiment for generating HRW or hydrogen-rich irrigation water;

[0056] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of hydrogen nanobubble generation;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of an alternative exemplary embodiment for generating hydrogen nanobubbles;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of an HRW generation system for plants in open fields according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 6 This is the result of the average weekly height of cannabis, measured in inches;

[0060] Figure 7 This is the result of the average weekly chlorophyll content of cannabis;

[0061] Figure 8 It is the result of weekly true leaf counts for each cannabis treatment;

[0062] Figure 9 It is the result of the bud count for each treatment of cannabis;

[0063] Figure 10 This is the result of the average weight of cannabis per processing; and

[0064] Figure 11 This is the result of the total average % CBD from each treatment of cannabis. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Methods for producing hydrogen-rich irrigation water or hydrogen-rich water (HRW) for irrigation using hydrogen nanobubble injection are disclosed, as well as methods for using it to irrigate crops or plants (such as industrial and / or food crops). The disclosed HRW is "HRW-nano," which refers to water or hydrogen-rich water containing dissolved hydrogen produced by hydrogen nanobubble injection. In contrast, "HRW-conventional" is used here to refer to HRW produced by conventional hydrogen injection (i.e., diffuser and Venturi injection systems). The disclosed HRW-nano typically has a dissolved hydrogen concentration ranging from approximately 0.1 ppm to a maximum of 1.6 ppm. The dissolved hydrogen in HRW-nano is expected to remain in the HRW for at least 8 hours. The dissolved hydrogen in HRW-conventional is expected to remain in the HRW for approximately 4 hours.

[0066] Here, industrial crops include plants of the Cannabaceae family and the Cannabis genus, such as hemp (e.g., hemp), corn, and crops used to produce essential oils (e.g., lavender, rapeseed, and flaxseed), fibers (e.g., coconut fiber, cotton, and flax), etc. Hemp is used as an example industrial crop in this document.

[0067] Industrial crops can be grown outdoors, such as in open fields, or indoors, such as in greenhouses.

[0068] There are many different methods for growing cannabis, which can be carried out outdoors or indoors (e.g., in a greenhouse). After selecting seeds or clones of the desired cannabis strain, one can choose one of the following basic cannabis cultivation methods.

[0069] Soil cultivation can be carried out outdoors or indoors (e.g., potted plants in a greenhouse). Growing hemp in soil outdoors (i.e., in open fields) is the easiest and cheapest method. Indoor cultivation can be done through hydroponics and aeroponics. Hydroponics involves growing plants in the absence of soil using a mineral nutrient solution in an aqueous solvent. In this system, the plant roots are exposed to the nutrient solution, or, alternatively, the roots can be physically supported by an inert medium such as perlite, gravel, or other substrate. Nutrients used in hydroponic systems can come from many different sources, including fish manure, duck manure, purchased chemical fertilizers, or artificial nutrient solutions. Aeroponics involves growing the plant's roots in the air rather than in soil, gravel, or any other medium. Typically, the plants are placed in a net basket and a continuous mist of water and fertilizer is sprayed onto the suspended roots.

[0070] Hydroponics is more expensive than traditional soil methods. Growers will need to purchase pumps, containers, water tanks, and gravel before the project begins. This method also requires more work from the grower, as nutrient levels and pH balance will need to be continuously managed.

[0071] In some embodiments, the disclosed HRW is water containing hydrogen nanobubbles (HRW-nano) that enhances crop yield and increases the concentration of key compounds in industrial crops. For example, HRW-nano enhances cannabis cultivation and increases the concentration of the compound cannabidiol (CBD) in cannabis.

[0072] The disclosed HRW may have a dissolved hydrogen concentration in water ranging from approximately 0.1 mg / L to approximately 1.6 mg / L. At P = 1 bar and T = 273.1 K and T = 298.1 K respectively, the saturation concentration of hydrogen in pure water is 1.95 and 1.60 mg / L (Yong, CL, 1981. Solubility Data Series, Vol. 5 / 6, Hydrogen and Deuterium). Preferably, the hydrogen concentration disclosed in the HRW ranges from approximately 0.1 to 1.6 mg / L. More preferably, the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the HRW ranges from approximately 0.6 mg / L to approximately 1.00 mg / L. Even more preferably, the hydrogen concentration disclosed in the HRW is approximately 0.8 mg / L or 0.8 ppm. Gaseous hydrogen can be injected into the water in the form of nanobubbles from a nanobubble generator. The flow rates of hydrogen and water fed into the nanobubble generator can be controlled to achieve an optimal and consistent average nanobubble size of 20 to 1000 nm, preferably less than about 200 nm, for the maximum diameter over a linear cross-length distance. It is known that, considering the low solubility of hydrogen in water, the Henry's Law constant K for hydrogen at 273 K... H o =7.8×10-4mol / kg-bar (NIST Chemistry WebBook), making it difficult to inject hydrogen into water.

[0073] Hydrogen degassing was significantly reduced by injecting irrigation water containing hydrogen nanobubbles under atmospheric conditions, as disclosed herein. Hydrogen nanobubbles are highly stable and can remain in water for extended periods. For example, once the target concentration is reached, hydrogen nanobubbles can remain in water for at least 8 hours. This stability in water helps eliminate the problems of low solubility and high fugacity of hydrogen during hydrogen injection and irrigation. Small buoyancy and small Brownian forces act on bubbles with an average size of 20 to 1000 nm, preferably less than 200 nm, resulting in increased stability of the bubbles (i.e., nanobubbles) in water.

[0074] The disclosed method preferably uses a nanobubble generator to produce hydrogen nanobubbles in the irrigation water, which increases the lifetime of dissolved hydrogen in the water and eliminates the need for high-pressure devices to achieve the desired dissolved hydrogen level. In the disclosed method, for optimal crop growth enhancement, the concentration of dissolved hydrogen in the produced irrigation water is preferably at least 0.8 mg / L.

[0075] Figure 1This is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment for generating HRW or hydrogen-rich irrigation water. As shown, feed water and hydrogen, pumped by feed water pump 102, are fed into nanobubble generator 104, where hydrogen nanobubbles are generated in the water. A water tank 106 downstream of nanobubble generator 104 receives the hydrogen nanobubbles in the water and generates hydrogen nanobubbles therein for injection into irrigation water (i.e., HRW-nano) for irrigating crops or plants. Feed water as used herein includes common irrigation water and / or nutrient media such as fresh surface water, tap water, groundwater, effluent, wastewater that has undergone tertiary treatment to meet irrigation requirements (e.g., California requires advanced physical-chemical treatment and extended disinfection to meet E. coli standards of less than 2 / 100 mL), etc. Feed water pump 102 may be a centrifugal pump. Water tank 106 may be any commercially available water tank that can be used under environmental conditions.

[0076] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an alternative exemplary embodiment for generating hydrogen-rich water or hydrogen-rich irrigation water. Feed water is fed into a water tank 206 and then pumped to a nanobubble generator 204 via a feed water pump 202. Hydrogen is injected into the nanobubble generator 204, where hydrogen nanobubbles are generated in the water. The hydrogen nanobubble-injected water is then returned to the water tank 206 to form hydrogen nanobubble-injected irrigation water, i.e., HRW-nano irrigation water. In this embodiment, HRW-nano can i) be discharged from the water tank 206 for crop or plant irrigation and / or ii) be recycled back to the nanobubble generator 204 to provide feed water to the nanobubble generator 204, thereby increasing the concentration of hydrogen nanobubbles in the water.

[0077] Hydrogen nanobubbles in water can be generated in various ways. In some embodiments, hydrogen is injected into the feed water through device 302 to form a gas-liquid mixture that enters the suction port of pump 304, such as... Figure 3 As shown. Device 302 can be a Venturi nozzle. The gas-liquid mixture exiting the outlet of pump 304 is then mixed in the mixing chamber of nanobubble generator 306 to produce hydrogen nanobubbles in the water. The hydrogen nanobubbles in the water are then discharged from there. Nanobubble generator 306 can be a device capable of producing hydrogen nanobubbles in water with an average size of 20 to 1000 nm, preferably less than about 200 nm. Herein, the flow rates of hydrogen and water can be controlled to obtain optimal and consistent nanobubble size from nanobubble generator 306. The average size of the produced hydrogen nanobubbles is 20 to 1000 nm, preferably less than about 200 nm.

[0078] Alternatively, hydrogen nanobubbles can be generated by ceramic diffusers made of alumina or a mixture of alumina, titanium dioxide, and silicon dioxide with a suitable surface coating, such as... Figure 4As shown, the ceramic diffuser 404 has a pore size between 100 and 1000 nm and can be coated with various organic compounds to produce suitable surface chemistry. Water and hydrogen are fed into the ceramic diffuser 404, with hydrogen nanobubbles in the water exiting from the ceramic diffuser. Here, the flow rates of hydrogen and water can be controlled to obtain optimal and consistent nanobubble sizes from the nanobubble generator 404. The average size of the generated hydrogen nanobubbles is 20 to 1000 nm, preferably less than about 200 nm.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of an HRW generation system for plants in open fields according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The disclosed HRW generation system is also suitable for indoor (e.g., in greenhouses) plant growth. As shown, hydrogen gas 502 from a steel cylinder is injected into a nanobubble generator 504 and a gas-liquid mixer or diffuser 506, respectively. Hydrogen nanobubbles are generated in the water by the nanobubble generator 504 and then returned to a water tank 508, where the hydrogen nanobubbles are injected into the irrigation water (i.e., HRW-nanobubbles). Figure 1 or Figure 2 The process is described. A water-hydrogen mixture is formed by a liquid-gas mixer or diffuser 506 and then returned to a water tank 510, where hydrogenated water (HRW-conventional) is produced. Here, mixer 506 can be a static mixer. Those skilled in the art will recognize that mixer 506 can be any mixer used in the art and commercially available. Nanobubble generator 504 is a device capable of generating hydrogen nanobubbles in water with an average size preferably of 20 to 1000 nm. Both HRW-nanobubbles from tank 508 and HRW-conventional bubbles from tank 510 are used to irrigate crops or plants, such as cannabis, in open fields. Cannabis yield and the concentration of CBD, the main compound in cannabis, are measured at harvest. In this embodiment, a programmable logic controller (PLC) 512 is used to control the entire process, including hydrogen injection, hydrogen nanobubble generation, water-hydrogen mixture, feed water, and the discharge of both HRW-nanobubbles and HRW-conventional bubbles. Figure 5The dashed lines in the diagram indicate the necessary connections between the components required for system operation and the PLC 512. Feed water is supplied to tanks 508 and 510, which are also controlled by the PLC 512 (not shown). Water supplied to the nanobubble generator 504 and the mixer or diffuser 506 are circulated from tanks 508 and 510, respectively, via water flows 514 and 516. Irrigation of open-field hemp using HRW-nano water discharged from tank 508 and irrigation of open-field hemp using HRW-conventional water discharged from tank 510, for hemp different from that irrigated by HRW, are also controlled by the PLC 512 (not shown). Feed water as used herein includes common irrigation water and / or nutrient media such as fresh surface water, tap water, groundwater, effluent, and wastewater that has undergone tertiary treatment to meet irrigation requirements (e.g., California requires advanced physical-chemical treatment and extended disinfection to meet E. coli standards of less than 2 / 100 mL), etc. The feed water into tanks 508 and 510 can come from the same water source or from different water sources.

[0080] Example

[0081] The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustrate embodiments of the invention. However, these examples are not intended to include all examples, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the invention described herein.

[0082] Three groups of cannabis plants were compared in open fields using different irrigation waters. The three groups of cannabis plants were irrigated with: (i) HRW with hydrogen nanobubbles produced in this paper, denoted as HRW-nano in this literature; (ii) HRW water produced under atmospheric conditions by conventional methods (such as static mixers or Venturi injection), denoted as HRW-conventional in this literature; and (iii) control water, i.e., water without dissolved hydrogen (hereinafter “control”).

[0083] Each group consisted of 4 rows, with 50 plants per row and a plant spacing of 48 inches and a row spacing of 60 inches. The experiment included a total of 12 rows and 600 plants.

[0084] Soil samples were collected from all plots prior to harvest to assess whether fertilization affected the results. The soil samples were analyzed for ammonium, nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium, and organic matter content. Minor adjustments were made to ensure all plots had the same characteristics.

[0085] For field locations, it is recommended to apply 0.7 gallons of water per cannabis plant per hour, with irrigation running for 8 hours per day. During periods of heavy rainfall, assess soil moisture levels and irrigate the cannabis plants after the soil has dried.

[0086] Install a drip irrigation system. The irrigation system is covered with white plastic mulch to reduce weed growth.

[0087] Cannabis seeds are grown in a greenhouse and nurtured until seedlings develop a set of true leaves (approximately 3 weeks). The seedlings are then manually transplanted into the field.

[0088] During the growing season, randomly selected plants were evaluated. For each condition (HRW-Nano, HRW-Regular, and Control), 10 randomly selected plants were chosen per row (using a random number generator), for a total of n = 40 plants per condition. This was done to evaluate the average weekly height, average weekly chlorophyll content, true leaf count, and average bud count for each treatment.

[0089] The total plant height was measured in inches using a yardstick.

[0090] Chlorophyll levels were measured using a SPAD-502 meter. Measurements were taken by clipping the measuring head onto the leaf. This procedure measures the nitrogen content in the plant and helps determine its health. To indicate growth stages, the number of days it took for the plant to acquire true leaves, secondary leaves, etc., was determined.

[0091] Growth stage analysis is determined by the number of days it takes for a plant to acquire true leaves, secondary leaves, etc.

[0092] After 96 days, the plants were harvested and then dried in a greenhouse for 3 days, turning them three times a day to ensure they were completely dry. The total plant mass was measured by drying randomly selected samples from each group to compare overall plant growth. Each plant was weighed on a calibrated scale.

[0093] The dried flower clusters (including buds and leaves) were then collected and ground. The dried, ground flower clusters were then sent to an accredited laboratory for CBC measurement. CBC was analyzed according to the method Storm, C. et al., Dedicated Cannabinoid Potency Testing for Cannabis or Hemp Products Using the Agilent 1220 Infinity II LC System. Agilent Technologies Application Note, Publication No. 5991-9285, 2018.

[0094] Results were evaluated using standard statistical analysis methods. One-way ANOVA and T-tests were used to determine whether the differences in data among the different cannabis irrigation options were significant: control (normal irrigation), HRW-nano, and HRW-regular. The null hypothesis was rejected if the probability was less than or equal to the significance level (α = 0.05). The ANOVA test allowed testing for differences within all three treatment options. The T-test was used to compare the means of control versus HRW-regular, control versus HRW-nano, and HRW-nano versus HRW-regular.

[0095] Example 1: Average weekly height in inches

[0096] Table 1 and Figure 6 Results for three groups of height parameters are shown. ANOVA results for the height parameters were statistically significant with a small effect size (η²_height = 0.026), p = 1.08817E-07 (α ≤ 0.05). Post-hoc comparative analysis confirmed that the results of both treatments and the control were statistically significant. T-tests showed statistical significance between the two treatments: Control vs. Nano: p = 2.32E-08, Control vs. Conventional: p = 1.89E-05. A significant difference existed between HRW-Nano and HRW-Conventional: p = 0.22.

[0097] Table 1

[0098]

[0099] Example 2: Chlorophyll content (n=40)

[0100] Table 2 and Figure 7 The weekly average values ​​of chlorophyll content parameters are shown (n = 40). Table 3 shows the average chlorophyll content for each treatment (n = 40). The ANOVA results for chlorophyll content were statistically significant, with a small effect size (η² = 0.021) and p = 0.000462861 (α ≤ 0.05). Post-hoc comparative analysis confirmed that the results of both treatments were statistically significant compared to the control. T-tests showed statistical significance between the two treatments: control vs. nano: p = 0.0036 and control vs. conventional: p = 0.0002. However, the difference between HRW-nano and HRW-conventional was not significant: p = 0.385.

[0101] Table 2

[0102]

[0103] Table 3

[0104]

[0105] Example 3: True Leaf

[0106] Table 4 and Figure 8 The weekly average true leaf count (n=40) is shown. Table 5 shows the average true leaves (n=40). The ANOVA results for the true leaf parameters at harvest were statistically significant with a small effect size (η²=0.3881), with a p-value of 5.34E-8 (α≤0.05). Post-hoc comparative analysis confirmed that the results of both treatments were statistically significant compared to the control. T-tests showed statistical significance between the two treatments: control vs. nano: p=7.49E-15, control vs. conventional: p=4.61E-11. T-tests for HRW-nano vs. HRW-conventional showed no statistical significance: p=0.396.

[0107] Table 4

[0108]

[0109] Table 5

[0110]

[0111] Example 4: bud

[0112] Table 6 and Figure 9 The total bud count parameter for each treatment (n = 40) is shown. The ANOVA results for the bud count parameter were not statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.0723 (α > 0.05). Post-hoc comparative analysis showed that the results for one treatment versus the control were statistically significant. The T-test showed no statistical significance between the two treatments: nano vs. conventional: p = 0.173 and control vs. conventional: p = 0.33. The control vs. nano treatment was statistically significant: p = 0.027.

[0113] Table 6

[0114]

[0115] Example 5: Production (weight)

[0116] Table 7 and Figure 10The total yield parameters for each treatment are shown in kilograms (n=40). ANOVA results for the yield parameters were statistically significant, p=6.53E-22 (α<0.05). Post-hoc comparative analysis confirmed that the results for both treatments compared to the control were statistically significant. T-tests showed statistical significance in all groups: control vs. nano: p=1.50E-16, control vs. conventional: p=4.79E-19, and nano vs. conventional: p=0.012. Plants irrigated with conventional and nano HRW had twice the biomass yield of the control. Notably, HRW-nano produced a lower yield than HRW-conventional, but still significantly higher than the control. This slightly lower result for HRW-nano contrasts with the unexpected effect on CBD content described below.

[0117] Table 7

[0118]

[0119] Example 6: %CBD

[0120] Table 8 and Figure 11 The %CBD parameter for each treatment is shown (n=40). The conventional HRW treatment had the lowest %CBD at 9.01. The control treatment had the lowest %CBD at 9.20. The HRW-nano treatment had the highest percentage mean CBD at 11.64, which was an increase of approximately 30% compared to the control and conventional HRW treatments. Therefore, the %CBD could be increased from approximately 20% to 40% by the HRW-nano treatment. Furthermore, the conventional treatment had the lowest CBD percentage at 9.01. The ANOVA results for the %CBD parameter were statistically significant, p = 1.25E-08 (α < 0.05). Post-hoc comparative analysis demonstrated that the results of one treatment versus the control were statistically significant. T-tests showed statistical significance between the two treatments: HRW-nano vs. control: p = 2.51E-06 and HRW-nano vs. HRW-conventional: p = 3.69E-06. There was no statistical significance between the control and conventional treatments: p = 0.18. The specific effect of this HRW-nano on CBD content is an unexpected difference from that of HRW-conventional, and even more unexpected given its impact on yield weight.

[0121] Table 8

[0122]

[0123] While the subjects described herein can be described in the context of illustrative implementations to handle one or more computing application features / operations of a computing application with user interaction components, the subjects are not limited to these specific embodiments. Rather, the techniques described herein can be applied to any suitable type of user interaction component execution management methods, systems, platforms, and / or devices.

[0124] It should be understood that many additional changes in details, materials, steps, and arrangements of parts that have been described and elucidated to explain the essence of the invention can be made by those skilled in the art within the principles and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments given above and / or in the drawings.

[0125] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art can modify them without departing from the spirit or teachings of the invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the compositions and methods are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is defined only by the following claims, the scope of which should include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for irrigating crops capable of producing cannabidiol (CBD), the method comprising: The crop was irrigated with hydrogen-rich water containing nanobubbles, specifically HRW-nano. Therefore, compared with irrigation using water with the same composition except for the absence of added hydrogen as a control, the concentration of CBD in the crop increased due to irrigation with HRW-nano. The concentration of dissolved hydrogen in the HRW-nano ranges from about 0.6 mg / L to about 1.00 mg / L, where about means ±10% of the value.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the following steps: The feed water pump delivers the water to the nanobubble generator; and Hydrogen gas is injected into the nanobubble generator to form hydrogen nanobubbles in the water therein. The flow rate of the hydrogen gas and the flow rate of the feed water are controlled to achieve a consistent average hydrogen nanobubble size.

3. The method as described in claim 2, wherein, For the maximum diameter of the linear cross-length distance, the consistent average hydrogen nanobubble size ranges from approximately 20 nm to approximately 1000 nm, where approximately means ±10% of the value.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, For the maximum diameter of the linear cross-length distance, these consistent average hydrogen nanobubble sizes range from less than approximately 200 nm, where approximately means ±10% of the stated value.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The concentration of dissolved hydrogen in the HRW-nano ranges from approximately 0.8 mg / L, where approximately means ±10% of the stated value.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, These crops are plants belonging to the Cannabis family.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, These crops are plants of the cannabis genus.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein, Compared to control irrigation, the concentration of cannabidiol (CBD) increased by 20% to 40% when irrigated with this HRW-nano.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein, Compared to control irrigation, the concentration of cannabidiol (CBD) increased by 20% to 40% when irrigated with this HRW-nano.

10. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, The nanobubble generator is a device capable of generating hydrogen nanobubbles in water with an average size of about 20 nm to about 1000 nm, where about means ±10% of the value.

11. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, The nanobubble generator is a device capable of generating hydrogen nanobubbles in water with an average size of less than approximately 200 nm, where approximately means ±10% of the value.

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