In an era where food security is becoming increasingly challenging, researchers at Linköping University have developed a new approach to hydroponics that offers hope. They have created an electrically conductive cultivation substrate called “electronic soil” or eSoil, which is derived from cellulose and a conductive polymer. This innovation is not only environmentally friendly but also provides a low-energy and safe alternative to previous methods. The study found that barley seedlings grew 50% faster in hydroponic systems when their roots were electrically stimulated using eSoil. This discovery expands the possibilities for hydroponic cultivation and offers a solution to the global challenge of producing more food with limited resources. While the biological mechanisms of eSoil are not yet fully understood, this research is a significant step towards enhancing urban agriculture and addressing food security.
https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-soil-boosts-crop-growth-by-over-50/