Advancements and challenges of micro/nanobubble technology for sustainable agriculture: A systematic and bibliometric review

Micro- and nanobubbles (MNBs) have gained increasing scientific interest due to their unique physicochemical properties and promising applications in agriculture and water management. This study provides a holistic analysis of MNB research between 1993 and 2025, with a focus on agricultural applications including water management, particularly in pressurized irrigation systems such as drip and subsurface drip irrigation, as well as hydroponic systems, aiming to identify major research trends, thematic structure and knowledge gaps. Results reveal a phase of rapid expansion, with 60% of the total publications in the analyzed dataset concentrated between 2022 and 2025. While early research was primarily focused on soil remediation, thematic mapping highlights a clear transition toward application-oriented research, including crop production and water-use efficiency. Geographically, the field is highly concentrated, with China, Japan, and the United States contributing for nearly 83% of global publications. From a management perspective, MNBs act as stimulants that enhance root-zone aeration and nutrient availability. Key agronomic benefits include yield increases in greenhouse crops and significant environmental protection by reducing nitrogen leaching. Furthermore, MNBs contribute to infrastructure maintenance by mitigating emitter clogging in pressurized irrigation systems. Despite these advantages, barriers to large-scale implementation remain, specifically regarding high energy consumption and the lack of standardized generation protocols. This analysis underscores the potential of MNBs for climate-smart agriculture while defining a roadmap for future research focusing on energy-efficient modular systems and digital monitoring to ensure the economic and environmental viability of MNB-based solutions.