Inadequate soil aeration reduces the rate of water and mineral absorption by roots. Saturated soils will trap metabolites, ethylene and carbon dioxide in the root zone, where high concentrations can seriously affect the rate of growth and size of the plant. Oxygen remedies these problems and is necessary for the survival of beneficial soil micro-organisms that aid in improving soil physical properties and processes such as nitrification and ammonification.
Simply put…plant roots need air to breathe. Without it, soil can become anaerobic, inhibiting nutrient availability, plant growth and crop yields.
Why Mazzei AirJection® Irrigation? When added to subsurface drip lines, AirJection incorporates atmospheric air into irrigation water at optimum levels and delivers it to the root zone, improving aerobic activity in the soil and increasing root respiration. By delivering air (oxygen and nitrogen) directly to the rhizosphere, crop yield, leaf area, sugar content, germination, and fruit density are increased while water use efficiency and fertilizer effectiveness are improved. This allows for earlier season harvest and improves late-season production. In addition, the micro-bubbles produced by the AirJection irrigation unit have a cleaning effect on the inner walls of the drip tape and tubing keeping particulates in suspension and reducing the chance of plugging.
The Center for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno, has conducted numerous trials using AirJection since 2000. Data from university-led trials and grower installations has shown that commercial on-farm use of Mazzei AirJection technology can increase crop yields between 13% and 35% as a result of improved plant performance and soil conditions. Quality improvements have also been demonstrated in a variety of fruit and vegetable crops.