Nanobubble Technology in Smart Agriculture: Underlying Mechanisms and Application Dynamics for Resource Optimization

Nanobubble (NB) technology is considered as an innovative approach in terms of efficient utilization of resources and production of crops. A nanobubble is an ultra-fine gas bubble generally smaller than 1 μm in diameter, commonly reported in the range of 50–200 nm, which behaves differently from ordinary bubbles due to its apparently tiny size, high internal pressure and surface charge. Their applications include irrigation management through improved water and oxygen delivery to the root zone, soil management by enhancing soil structure and aeration, and nutrient management with improved nutrient uptake and favourable microbial interactions. Despite these advances, large scale adoption remains constrained by greater variability in water quality, soil heterogeneity, irrigation system design and limitations related to nanobubble generation efficiency and economic feasibility. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated interdisciplinary efforts integrating agronomy, soil science and engineering to optimize application strategies and scalability. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on nano bubble technology in agriculture, applications in irrigation, soil, nutrient, microbial management and assess its integration with sustainable systems. However, much of the available evidence is based on short-term or controlled studies and further long-term field validation across diverse agroecological conditions is needed. Together, nanobubble technology holds a promising future for maintaining and enhancing sustainability in agriculture.