Electronic soil

Context: Researchers have developed a new electronics soil that was found to increase the growth of barley seedlings by 50 per cent in a new study.

News:

• A new eSoil, developed by the Electronic Plants group at Linköping University, enhances barley seedling growth by an average of 50% in hydroponic cultivation.
• The low-power bioelectronic scaffolding, called eSoil, is designed for soilless cultivation methods like hydroponics, providing an electrically conductive substrate.

• eSoil is composed of cellulose, a biopolymer, mixed with a conductive polymer called PEDOT, offering a sustainable alternative to non-biodegradable mineral wool commonly used in hydroponics.
• The unique aspect of eSoil is its low energy consumption and absence of high-voltage dangers, making it safe for electrical stimulation of roots during cultivation.
• While the precise biological mechanisms are not fully understood, the study reveals that eSoil enhances the processing of nitrogen in seedlings, contributing to improved growth rates.
• Significance:
• • Researchers emphasize that eSoil may not solve global food security issues but can be valuable in regions with limited arable land and challenging environmental conditions.
  • eSoil enables faster seedling growth using fewer Resources, offering potential benefits for urban agriculture in controlled settings.
  • The development aligns with the need for innovative agricultural methods to meet the increasing demands of a growing global population and address challenges posed by climate change.