Here are three companies using plasma water on crops already, they are a bit costly yet and for larger scale application, but it is moving along and it is a interesting alternative to certain harmful chemicals used in orchards.
Has anyone been able to try this out on their trees or orchards or plan to, or know of more accessible avenues to try it out ourselves for hobby orchards. I am dreaming of peaches and green gages in my future if it really works.
Some interesting new technology using plasma activated water. I think it will be very common in the future as the technology gets more compact for home scale but i want to see some further discussion amongst my peers here on the topic.
Basically it improves plant health, provides nitrogen, oxygen and can be used as fungicide… I don’t understand why some say it improves soil biology and it also acts as a fungicide replacement…
Here is a ai prompt for a short description of plasma treated water and how it benefits plants, and the references
Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) is a technologically advanced form of water that has been modified by the interaction with atmospheric plasma, incorporating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) such as hydroxyl radicals, nitrates, and hydrogen peroxide[1][3]. These reactive species alter the physicochemical properties of water, including reduced surface tension and increased viscosity, which enhance its wettability and adhesion to plant surfaces[2][3]. PAW benefits plants by promoting seed germination, enhancing plant growth, and improving stress tolerance[4]. Its antimicrobial properties also help control pathogens, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers, making it an environmentally friendly alternative in agriculture[7].
Ok,you got my attention.
I hate having to use my well water for my orchard because number one,it is high ph,7.5 or more.
Friends in town that use city water hate it because of the flouride and chlorine.
Rain water is a blessing and a rarity here in west Texas and you can instantly see the difference between well and rain water.
I have acidified my well water for blueberry,raspberry,goumis,and gooseberry plants,or else they would die.
I have been waiting for some form of water technology to help home gardeners and orchardist.
Maybe this is it?
Yeah it seems that will be a near future use case once the technology gets to a smaller home scale product. Maybe 10 years or less im guessing assuming we can stay up to date with the tech and what companies offer the products.
Seems to me the main applications will be.
local nitrogen production.
alternative antifungal, antibacterial liquid solution.
How Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) Improves Soil Biology
PAW doesn’t just kill pathogens—it reshapes the soil microbiome in ways that benefit plant health. Here’s a deep dive into its effects on soil microbes, fungi, and nutrient cycling:
1. Selective Antimicrobial Action (Kills Bad Guys, Spares Good Guys)
PAW’s Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) act like a “smart disinfectant”:
Targets harmful microbes:
Destroys gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Ralstonia, Pseudomonas syringae) by oxidizing their cell membranes.
Plasma Activated Water (PAW) in Apple Orchards: Benefits and Disease Suppression
Plasma Activated Water (PAW) has been explored as an innovative and residue-free approach for disease control in agriculture, including apple orchards. Its potential benefits include reducing fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and apple scab while maintaining fruit quality. Some studies suggest that PAW application in orchards could suppress disease incidence by 50–70%, making it a promising alternative to conventional fungicides.
Key Findings on PAW in Apple Orchards
Disease Suppression (Mildew & Scab)
Studies indicate PAW can reduce apple scab (Venturia inaequalis) and powdery mildew infections by interfering with fungal spore germination and development.
PAW applications have been tested as foliar sprays and soil treatments to suppress pathogen spread in orchards.
Results showed a significant decline (50-70%) in disease severity, making PAW a potential alternative to chemical fungicides.
Application Methods & Frequency
Foliar Sprays: Regular applications (weekly or biweekly) during critical growth stages of apples showed the best disease control results.
Soil Treatments: Limited studies suggest that PAW may also help enhance plant resistance when used for irrigation.
Studies recommend combining PAW with other biocontrol strategies to achieve optimal disease management.
Mechanism of Action
PAW generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which disrupt the cell walls of pathogens like Venturia inaequalis (apple scab) and Podosphaera leucotricha (powdery mildew).
It has also been found to induce plant immune responses, enhancing apple trees’ resistance to fungal infections.
Relevant Studies
Sinha et al. (2022) – Residue-Free Farming of Fruit Crops
Discussed the use of PAW as a chemical-free disease control method in orchards.
Found that disease incidence was reduced by 60% compared to untreated trees.
The findings suggest PAW can significantly reduce apple scab and mildew incidence (by 50–70%) when applied regularly in orchards. Its ability to induce resistance and suppress fungal pathogens makes it a promising tool in sustainable apple farming. However, additional long-term studies are needed to optimize application protocols and integration with other biocontrol strategies.
…
So i am looking at setting up a row of apple trees with foliar misters connected to a irrigation line to facilitate frequent PAW sprays.
Key Study: 
Mechanism: ROS/RNS stress triggers microbial signaling (e.g., quorum sensing), favoring cooperative, plant-beneficial communities.
Field Example: Apple orchards using PAW + mulch saw 2x faster compost integration vs. water-only controls.
Caveat: Overuse can temporarily reduce microbial activity. Always test soil post-PAW (see below).
Before/After PAW:
Apply PAW at 1:10 dilution weekly (avoids over-sterilization).