A system and method for treating water to be used for irrigation. The system and method utilizes an apparatus for generating ozone and other atoms and molecules resulting from the bombardment of a feed gas with electrons has, preferably, a first electrode positioned within a channel in a second electrode. The first electrode is a substantially sealed tube made of dielectric material, having at least one electron gun positioned proximate an end thereof for firing electrons into the first electrode. In electrical communication with the electron gun is a rod, maintained in a tube also made of dielectric material, which acts to maintain a constant energy level through the length of the rod and thus the length of the electrode. Within the first electrode is an inert gas which, upon the firing of the electron gun, is formed into a plasma. When a feed gas (generally air) is passed between the first and second electrodes, the electrons and plasma cause the formation of ozone and other atoms and molecules in the feed gas, which products have beneficial uses in the treatment of water and air for different purposes. The treated feed gas is then injected, preferably with a venturi type of injector, into the water to be treated.