ELECTRONIC SOIL - AGRICULTURE
News: Researchers develop
‘electronic soil’ to enhance crop growth
What's in the news?
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Researchers have developed a new electronic soil
that was found to increase the growth of barley seedlings by 50 per cent in a
new study.
eSoil:
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In hydroponic
environments, eSoil is a low-power
bioelectronic growth substrate that can electrically stimulate the root
system and growth environment of plants.
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This novel substrate is not only environmentally
friendly, being derived from cellulose
and a conductive polymer called PEDOT.
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It offers a low energy, safe alternative to
previous methods that required high voltage and non-biodegradable materials.
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It uses low
energy and minimises resource consumption.
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Its active material is an organic mixed-ionic electronic conductor.
Working of eSoil:
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When the roots of barley seedlings were
electrically stimulated for 15 days, they showed a 50% increase in growth using eSoil.
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This research promotes more effective and
sustainable development while increasing the variety of crops that can be grown
hydroponically.
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In hydroponics, plants are grown without soil,
requiring only water, nutrients and a substrate - something for their roots to
attach to.
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This closed system allows water to be recirculated,
ensuring that each seedling receives exactly the nutrients it needs.
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As a result, very
little water is used and all the nutrients remain in the system - something
that is not possible with conventional farming.
Benefit:
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It can help in areas with little arable land and harsh environmental conditions.