To meet the increasing demands for higher-value and nutrient-rich vegetables, this work aims to investigate whether molecular hydrogen (H₂)-based irrigation, in the form of hydrogen nanobubble water (HNW), could improve yield and quality of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.). Field trials showed that compared to surface water (SW) irrigation (control group), HNW irrigation significantly increased Chinese cabbage yield by 32.70 ± 12.15%, and the single plant weight, height, the maximum leaf length and width were also significantly increased. Higher nutritional value, including the increased contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein, mineral nutrients (P, Fe, Zn, and Cu), and secondary metabolites (total carotenoids, proanthocyanidins, phenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid), as well as decreased nitrate content and higher antioxidant capability (assessed by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP values) were also observed. Molecular evidence further revealed that the expressions of genes related to Fe, Zn, and P absorption as well as ascorbic acid biosynthesis were obviously up-regulated, consistent with changes in Fe, Zn, P, and ascorbic acid accumulation achieved after HNW irrigation. These results clearly suggested that HNW might have a practical value in improving yield and quality of horticultural crops.

为了满足人们对高价值和营养丰富的蔬菜日益增长的需求，本研究旨在研究以氢纳米气泡水（HNW）形式的分子氢（H ₂）灌溉是否可以提高大白菜的产量和品质（Brassica chinensis L.）。田间试验表明，与地表水（SW）灌溉（对照组）相比，HNW灌溉显着提高了大白菜产量32.70±12.15%，单株重、高度、最大叶长和宽度也显着增加。营养价值更高，包括可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白质、矿质营养素（P、Fe、Zn、Cu）和次级代谢产物（总类胡萝卜素、原花青素、酚类、黄酮类、抗坏血酸）含量增加，同时降低还观察到硝酸盐含量和更高的抗氧化能力（通过 DPPH、ABTS 和 FRAP 值评估）。分子证据进一步表明，与铁、锌、磷吸收以及抗坏血酸生物合成相关的基因表达明显上调，与HNW灌溉后铁、锌、磷和抗坏血酸积累的变化一致。这些结果清楚地表明，HNW 在提高园艺作物的产量和质量方面可能具有实用价值。