Scientists at Linkoping University in Sweden have developed an electrically conductive cultivation substrate, known as eSoil, which enhances the growth of barley seedlings in hydroponics. Hydroponics is a soilless cultivation method that uses a root system stimulated electrically through a specialized substrate. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that barley seedlings grown in eSoil experienced up to a 50% increase in growth over 15 days when their roots were electrically stimulated.
Eleni Stavrinidou, an associate professor at Linkoping University, highlighted the potential of hydroponics in addressing global food demands and climate change. Hydroponics allows for controlled cultivation in urban environments, utilizing a closed system with water recirculation, minimal water requirements, and efficient nutrient utilization.
The researchers found that the electrically conductive eSoil, made from cellulose and a conductive polymer called PEDOT, outperformed traditional mineral wool substrates. While the exact biological mechanisms are not fully understood, the study suggests that electrical stimulation enhances the seedlings’ processing of nitrogen, contributing to accelerated growth.
Unlike previous methods that used high voltage for root stimulation, eSoil boasts low energy consumption and eliminates the risk of high voltage danger. The findings open avenues for further research and development in hydroponic cultivation, offering a sustainable solution, particularly in regions with limited arable land and challenging environmental conditions.
While hydroponics may not entirely solve global food security challenges, it presents a promising approach to maximize resource efficiency and enhance crop growth in areas with constraints on traditional agriculture.
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