Food production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so researchers are exploring ways to make agriculture more sustainable. At Imperial College London’s Plant Morphogenesis Laboratory, researchers are using hydrogel cubes embedded with electrical conductors to study the effects of electricity on plants. This practice of applying electricity to plants has been around for over a century, but recent advancements and technologies have allowed scientists to explore its potential benefits more precisely.
The use of electricity in agriculture is part of a larger movement towards “smart agriculture” or the “fourth agricultural revolution.” Researchers hope that by harnessing electricity, they can improve food production and combat the global food crisis while reducing the environmental consequences of large-scale farming.
One of the main challenges in using electricity in agriculture is understanding how it interacts with plant biology. While it is known that electric fields enhance plant growth, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are still not fully understood. Researchers at Imperial College London’s Plant Morphogenesis Laboratory are focused on deciphering the plant’s response to electric fields and understanding the electrical signals generated internally by plants.
Preliminary studies have shown promising results. For example, applying cold plasma, a form of ionized gas generated by lightning, to young seeds has led to yield increases of 20 to 75% in various plants. The plasma appears to awaken the seeds and improve their ability to absorb water and nutrients, resulting in faster and healthier plant growth.
Despite these promising findings, there are still skeptics who question the efficacy and long-term effects of using electricity in agriculture. The lack of consistent results in past experiments and the need for further research into the fundamental science behind electric fields and plant biology contribute to this skepticism.
One potential application of electricity in agriculture is vertical farming. However, researchers point out that the name “vertical farming” is misleading. Roots naturally grow downwards due to gravity, making it difficult to grow plants with extensive root systems in a vertical space. However, recent discoveries have shown that roots can sense and respond to electric fields, which could potentially be used to manipulate root growth and allow for more efficient vertical farming.
Overall, researchers are optimistic about the potential of electricity in improving food production and addressing the environmental challenges associated with agriculture. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and potential risks, the growing interest and investment in electric agriculture suggest that it could play a significant role in the future of sustainable farming.