Case Study – Ferrera Flowers

Reducing Watering Frequency and Crop Losses with Agrona Nanobubble Technology

Ferrera Flowers, a leading ornamental grower in Sicily, struggled with poor oxygen levels in irrigation water that caused up to 20% crop loss during hot summers. After installing an Agrona Nanobubble Generator in February 2023, dissolved oxygen (DO) levels increased from 6 ppm to 26-27 ppm, watering frequency was cut by half, and plant losses dropped to below 4%. The system also removed the need for hydrogen peroxide, keeping irrigation lines clean naturally. Within one season, the grower saw stronger plants, reduced stress, and a projected ROI in less than two years.

Ferrera Flowers is a third-generation family business cultivating over 12 hectares of Dahlia, Statice, and Gypsophila under foil greenhouses in Sicily. With summer temperatures often above 35°C, groundwater containing only 3-6 ppm dissolved oxygen led to weak roots and severe crop losses. Grower Andrea Ferrera struggled to keep plants alive, watering every 30 minutes to prevent to prevent heat stress. The system consumed excessive water, energy, and required hydrogen peroxide dosing to control bio lm and algae increasing operational costs and ine ciency.

In February 2023, Agrona installed a Nanobubble Generator System connected directly to the irrigation silo. The system continuously injects oxygen nanobubbles into the storage tank, ensuring stable, oxygen-rich water across the entire irrigation network.

Results

• Dissolved oxygen increased from 6 to 27 ppm

• Reduced watering frequency

• Crop loss reduced by 80%

• No more hydrogen peroxide needed

• Improved root oxygenation and plant vitality

• Fast return on investment