What is it about?
This study investigates the effects of plasma-activated tap water, demineralized water, and liquid fertilizer on the germination and stem growth of lentils. We found that plasma-activated tap water significantly increased germination rates and stem elongation rates compared to non-activated tap water and commercial fertilizer. The combination of hydrogen peroxide and nitrate radicals generated by the plasma activation process appears to be essential for enhancing seed germination and stem growth.
Featured Image
Photo by Jodie Righos on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Understanding how plasma activation of liquids can improve lentil germination and growth rates is valuable for agriculture, as it could potentially lead to higher crop yields and reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers. Additionally, the plasma-activated liquids may have fewer negative environmental impacts, as they can degrade within a few hours, unlike traditional fertilizers that can accumulate in the soil and cause long-term pollution.
Perspectives
Future research could explore the potential benefits of plasma-activated liquids for other crops and identify the specific plasma-generated species and conditions that lead to the best results. Investigating the long-term effects of plasma-activated liquids on soil health and crop productivity would also be valuable, as well as determining the most effective methods for applying these treatments in agricultural settings. Ultimately, this research could contribute to the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Dr Thierry Dufour
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Promoting lentil germination and stem growth by plasma activated tap water, demineralized water and liquid fertilizer, RSC Advances, January 2017, Royal Society of Chemistry,
DOI: 10.1039/c7ra04663d.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
