As we desperately search for clean energy sources by looking to the skies, the answer may be right under our feet. There is life beneath our feet. And not just life, but energy. Energy that could revolutionize the way we monitor our agricultural fields. A team of researchers from the University of Bath (already involved in the development of a “bacterial cement“) has developed technology that turns soil bacteria into tiny power plants. Structures capable of powering agricultural sensors for decades.
Bacterial technology? Soil energy for agricultural sensors
The technology, called Bactery, uses microorganisms naturally present in the soil to generate electricity. These bacteria, known as electrogens, produce electrons when they consume organic matter. The Bactery device captures these electrons. And converts them into a long-term, sustainable source of energy.
As mentioned, we could power many agricultural sensors. And it would be a great coup, because these are crucial tools for modern agriculture. Sensors of this type, in fact, provide real-time data on:
- Soil health;
- Crop growth;
- Environmental conditions.
Today, powering these devices is often problematic. Traditional methods have several disadvantages.
- Bulky cables;
- Disposable chemical batteries;
- Weather dependent solar panels.
The “bacterial” battery offers a practical, economical and reliable solution to power these electronic devices directly from the ground.
How does the Bactery battery work?
Battery operation is based on four phases. Fine, electrifying bacteria in the soil consume organic matter. Second, this process generates electrons. Third, the Bactery device captures these electrons. Fourth and last, the energy is converted into usable electricity
To function optimally, the system requires anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions around plant roots. This environment favors the transport of electrons and prevents their dispersion.
Advantages of Bactery technology
The Bactery battery offers several advantages over traditional energy sources.
- Sustainability: uses natural resources already present in the ground.
- Longevity: It has an expected lifespan of over 25 years.
- Low maintenance: works with an “install and forget” approach
- Low cost: around 30 euros per unit.
- Reliability: It is not dependent on weather conditions like solar panels.
Bacteria for agricultural sensors: from proof of concept to practical application
The concept was initially tested in 2019 in Brazil, where the team built a soil-powered water disinfection system. The prototype was tested at Icapui, a fishing village in the north-east of the country, where access to drinking water and electricity is limited.
Our initial goal is to accelerate the transition to digitalization in the agricultural sector.
Jakub Dziegielowski. It is the chemical engineer who leads bacteria.
Future challenges and prospects
Despite the revolutionary potential, Bactery technology still faces some challenges. Which? It's easy to say.
- Scalability: demonstrate effectiveness on a large scale.
- Optimization of soil conditions: ensure the necessary anaerobic environment.
- Integration with existing agricultural systems.
The Bactery company plans to refine the prototypes in the next year. And finally, start small-scale production in 2026. For this, it seeks to collaborate with partners and investors to dramatically expand the scope of this technology.
Expert opinion
Hudson Zanin, professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Campinas in Brazil, comments:
The Bactery device could be revolutionary if it can scale. The method is highly sustainable.
However, Zanin also highlights the difficulties. Among all, that of the anaerobic conditions necessary for the optimal functioning of the system. It won't be easy to get them. Above all, it will not be easy to make this mechanism compatible with mass production.
Latest generation agricultural sensors, the potential impact is enormous
Widespread adoption of Bactery technology could have a significant impact on agriculture. Moreover. A huge impact. We would have greater accessibility to agricultural data in real time, and above all field monitoring with sensors agricultural would have lower operating costs.
The future of agriculture, in short, could literally be under our feet. Bactery's technology could soon become a standard for farmers around the world. Taking precision agriculture to a new level of efficiency and sustainability.
We'll see. We are here. And we will also follow the developments of this trend for you. How do you say? If they are batteries, they will flourish. Or something like that. Alright, we understand each other.
