ALBAWABA - In a pioneering move, scientists at Linköping University in Sweden have unveiled an innovative "bioelectronic soil," demonstrating its potential to accelerate plant growth, particularly in hydroponic setups and soilless farming environments.
Upon integration of the newly designed "eSoil" into the seedling framework, researchers observed a striking 50% increase in plant growth by transmitting electrical signals through the soil.
Crafted from a blend of organic materials and the electrically conductive polymer PEDOT, commonly found in devices like sensors and OLED screens, eSoil showcases a unique formula.
In a focused study, barley seedlings received electrical signals for a duration of 15 days before harvesting. Eleni Stavrinidou, the study's advisor, emphasized the necessity of soil conductivity to stimulate plant roots. Applying a voltage of up to 0.5V to eSoil effectively stimulated root growth, resulting in a substantial biomass increase when compared to untreated seeds.
While hydroponic techniques are prevalent in cultivating certain crops, eSoil emerges as a potential game-changer in commercial settings and environments where external factors significantly influence plant growth.
Stavrinidou highlighted the study's contribution to the more efficient processing of nitrogen, a crucial nutrient in plant growth, thanks to the role played by eSoil in enhancing overall plant development.
