The revolution in modern agriculture may have found a new ally: 'electronic soil' or 'eSoil'. Developed by researchers at Linköping University in Sweden, this innovative material promises to revolutionize the hydroponics sector, where plants grow predominantly in aquatic environments.
eSoil, a mix of organic substances and the conductive polymer PEDOT (known for its use in sensors and OLED displays), stands out for its ability to increase plant growth by an impressive 50%. This technological advancement offers not only new prospects for increasing crop yields in controlled environments, but could also represent a significant turning point for global agriculture, especially in those areas where unfavorable environmental conditions slow plant growth.
The mechanism behind eSoil
The key to eSoil's success lies in its extraordinary conductivity, essential for stimulating plant roots. In a specific study on barley sprouts (I link it here) scientists observed the effects of transmitting electrical signals through the soil over a period of 15 days.
By applying a minimum voltage of 0,5V, they recorded a significant increase in the biomass of electrically stimulated plants compared to non-stimulated ones. It is the evolution of the first studies on a collateral topic (electrical sound stimulation to reduce pesticides) of which I wrote to you.
Bioelectronic soil: potential benefits and future applications
This type of stimulation has shown positive effects in the processing of nutrients essential for plant growth, such as nitrogen. Research has highlighted that stimulated plants are able to process nutrients more effectively, although the exact mechanisms behind this process require further investigation.
The future goal is to better understand how stimulation influences the entire growth cycle of the plant, from germination to maturation. The use of bioelectronic soil in hydroponic farms could not only improve crop yields but also make them more energy-conscious.
Although traditional hydroponic farms use less water, they require more energy to operate. The eSoil, which consumes extremely low power (in the order of microwatts) could offer an energy-efficient solution.
In short (Italian only)
Before this technology can be applied on a large scale in agriculture, further studies are needed. It is essential to observe how electrical stimulation of the soil affects the entire life cycle of a plant, not just the initial stages of shoot maturation. Additionally, the research team plans to examine how the technique affects the growth of other plant species.
eSoil poses as a potential paradigm shift in agriculture, especially in hydroponic environments. With its ability to significantly increase plant growth, this innovation could pave the way for new cultivation methodologies, particularly useful in areas where environmental conditions or climate change represent a constant challenge.
The future of agriculture may lie in this synthesis of nature and technology, where science meets soil to feed a rapidly evolving world.
