1.
Introduction
The application of
electricity, magnetism, monochrome light, and sound can stimulate the growth
of plants to a great extent. This little-known technology, called
Electro-culture, can accelerate growth rates, increase yields, and improve
crop quality. Electro-culture can protect plants from diseases, insects and
frost. These methods also can reduce the requirements for fertilizer or
pesticides. Farmers can grow bigger and better crops in less time, with less
effort, and at a lower cost.
The several
approaches to Electro-culture include: antennas, static electricity, direct
and alternating current, magnetism, radio frequencies, monochrome and
intermittent lighting, and sound. The energies are applied to the seeds,
plants, soil or the water and nutrients.
2.
Antenna
Systems
The French farmer
Justin Christofloreau attracted attention in 1925 with his apparatus to
collect atmospheric energy for his crops. Clover treated by his method grew 7
feet high. Christofloreau's apparatus consisted of a 25-ft wooden pole; at the
top was a metal pointer aligned north-south, and an antenna. Copper and zinc
strips were soldered together to generate electricity from solar heat. Several
of the poles were set about 10 ft apart, and the wires leading from them
extended about 1000 yards. Christofloreau claimed that the accumulated
electricity destroyed parasites and promoted beneficial chemical processes in
the soil.(2)
In 1924, Georges
Lakhovsky devised his Oscillator Circuit, a one-turn copper coil with
overlapping ends separated by a gap. Capacitance generates oscillating
currents that benefit the plants. The ring is supported by an insulator such
as a plastic rod. This extremely simple arrangement stimulates plant growth
(Fig. 5.1). (3)
Other
configurations also enhance plant growth. A conical coil of stiff wire wound
with 9 turns (counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, clockwise in the
Southern), when stuck in the ground about 1 ft north of a plant, will collect
atmospheric electricity. Connect a wire from the fence to a metal rod near the
plants. A tv antenna also can be used. Rebar can be sunk into the ground at
each end of a row of plants, connected by a bare wire under the soil and/or in
the air. A north-south orientation will take advantage of geomagnetic
polarity.
3.
Electrostatic
Systems
Experimental study
of the effects of electricity on plant growth began in 1746, when Dr. Maimbray
of Edinburg treated myrtle plants with the output of an electrostatic
generator, thereby enhancing their growth and flowering. Two years later, the
French abbot Jean Nolet found that plants respond with accelerated rates of
germination and overall growth when cultivated under charged
electrodes.
Beginning in 1885,
the Finnish scientist Selim Laemstrom experimented with an aerial system
powered by a Wimhurst generator and Leyden jars. He found that the electrical
discharge from wire points stimulated the growth of crops such as potatoes,
carrots, and celery for an average increase of about 40% (up to 70%) within 8
weeks. Greenhouse-grown strawberry plants produced ripe fruit in half the
usual time. The yield of raspberries was increased by 95%, and the yield of
carrots was increased by 125%. However, crops of cabbage, turnips, and flax
grew better without electrification than with it. The Laemstrom system
comprises a horizontal antenna suspended high enough to permit plowing,
weeding and irrigation. The voltage applied to the antenna varies from 2 to 70
KV, depending on the height of the antenna. The current is about 11 amps.
(4, 5)
Spechniew and
Bertholon obtained similar results a few years later, and so did the Swiss
priest J.J. Gasner in 1909. Also that year, Prof. G. Stone showed that a few
sparks of static electricity discharged into the soil each day increased soil
bacteria up to 600%.
In the 1920s, V.H.
Blackman reported his experiments with an aerial system similar to that of
Laemstrom. He applied 60 volts DC/1 milliamp through 3 steel wires each 32 ft
long and suspended 6 ft apart and 7 ft high on poles. This arrangement yielded
an average increase of about 50% for several plant types.
(6)
In 1898, Grandeau
and Leclerq studied the effect of atmospheric electricity on plants by
covering part of a field with a wire net which shielded them from natural
electrical action. The uncovered plants grew 50-60% better than the shielded
plants.
Wet soil improves
current flow. Electro-cultured plants require about 10% more water than
control plants because the charged water is perspired more rapidly than under
normal conditions. Positive results are always obtained except when ozone is
formed by ionization. Negative aero-ions intensify cellular oxidation
reduction processes, while the positives depress them.
4.
Direct
Current
In the 1840s, W.
Ross of New York reportedly obtained a severalfold increase in the yield of a
field of potatoes when he buried a copper plate (5 ft x 14 ft) in the earth,
and a zinc plate of the same dimensions 200 ft away. The two plates were
connected by a wire above ground, thus forming a galvanic cell. In similar
experiments by Holdenfleiss (1844) with battery-charged zinc and copper
plates, yields increased up to 25%.(7)
From 1918 to 1921
some 500 British farmers developed a shared system to treat their grain in an
electrified solution of nutrients. The grain was dried before sowing. The
farmers cultivated about 2,000 acres with the seed. The results were reported
in Scientific American (15 February 1919):
"In the first
place, there is a notable increase in the yield of grain from electrified
seed... the yield of the electrified seed exceeds that of the unelectrified by
from 4 to 16 bushels... The average... is between 25 and 30 % of increase...
The increase in weight has ranged from 1 pound to as much as 4 pounds per
bushel... Besides the increase in the bulk of the yield and the increase in
the weight per bushel, there is an increase in the straw... whereas the bulk
of the unelectrified seeds had thrown up only 2 straws per seed, the
electrified had thrown up 5.... The straw growing from the electrified seed is
longer... The stoutness and the strength of the straw is increased... the crop
is less likely to be laid by storms... Corn growing from seed thus treated is
less susceptible to the attacks of fungus diseases and wireworm.
"The effect
produced upon the seed is not permanent; it will retain its enhanced
efficiency only for about a month after electrification, if kept in a dry
place. It is therefore desirable that the seed be sown promptly after it has
been electrified... The grain must be steeped in water that contains in
solution some salt [sodium nitrite] that will act as a conductor... The seed
is steeped in it, and a weak current of electricity is passed by means of
[iron] electrodes of large surface attached to two opposite end walls of the
tank. The seed is then taken out and dried.
"Seed that is to
be sown on one kind of soil will yield better results with a calcium salt, and
seed that is to be sown on another kind of soil will yield better results with
a sodium or other salt. One kind of seed will need treatment for so many
hours, and another kind for many hours more or fewer. Barley, for instance,
needs twice as long treatment as wheat or oats. The strength of the solution
and the strength of the current must be appropriate, and are not necessarily
the same in each case. The drying is very important. The seed must be dried at
the right temperature, neither too rapidly nor too slowly; and it must be
dried to the right degree, neither too much or too little." (8,
9)
In 1964, the USDA
performed tests in which a negative electrode was placed high in a tree, and
the positive electrode was connected to a nail driven into the base of the
tree. Stimulation with 60 volts DC substantially increased leaf density on
electrified branches after a month. Within a year, foliage increased 300% on
those branches! (10)
Electricity also
can cure trees of some diseases. A method was developed in 1966 to treat
avocado trees affected with canker and orange trees with scaly bark. An
electrode was inserted into the living cambium and phloem layers of the tree
and the current passed into the branches, roots or soil. The treatment is best
administered in the spring. The length of treatment depends on the size and
condition of the tree. New shoots appeared after only one cycle of treatment.
After the bark was removed, the trees began to bear fruit! The period of
grafting stratification also can be shortened in this way.
The passage of an
electric current modifies the physico-chemical properties of soil. Its
aggregation increases, and its permeability to moisture improves. The content
of absorbable nitrogen, phosphorus, and other substances is increased. The pH
changes. Usually, alkalinity is reduced, and evaporation increases. Both
alternating and direct electric currents have a bacterial action which also
affects the soil microflora. Up to 95% of cabbage mildew and other bacteria
and fungi can be destroyed by electrical disinfection.
Brief exposure of
seeds to electric current ends their dormancy, accelerates development
throughout the period of vegetation, and ultimately increases yields. The
effect is greater with seeds that have a low rate of germination. The
metabolism of seedlings is stimulated; respiration and hydrolytic enzyme
activity is intensified for many types of plants. Lazarenko and Gorbatovskaya
reported these results:
"Reports that the
characteristics acquired by the plants in electrically treated soils are
transmitted by inheritance to the third generation are particularly
interesting.
"Under the
influence of the electrical current, the numerical proportions between hemp
plants of different sexes was changed by comparison with the control to give
an increased number of female plants by 20-25%, in connection with a reduction
in the intensity of the oxidative processes in the plant
tissues."
"At the end of
vegetation the experimental cotton plant possessed twice or three times as
many pods as the control plant. The mean weight of the seeds and fiber was
greater in the experimental plants also. In the case of sugar beet the yield
and sugar content were increased, and in places near the negative pole the
increase in sugar content was particularly high. The tomato yield increased by
10-30%, and the chemical composition of the fruit was modified. The
chlorophyll content of these plants was always greater than that of the
control... Corn plants absorbed twice as much nitrogen as control plants
during the vegetative period... The transpiration of the experimental plant
was higher than that of the control, especially in the
evening...
"The stimulating
action of the alternating current was greatest when the current with density
of 0.5 mA/sq cm... A direct current with density of 0.01 mA/sq cm had
approximately the same action. When these optimal current densities were used
in hotbeds, the yield of green mass could be increased by 40%."
(1)
P.V. Kravtsov,
et al., reported that the population of ammonifying bacteria
(especially the sporogenous type) increases about 150% when soil or compost is
exposed to continuous low-power DC. The symbiotic activity of nodule bacteria
with bean plants was characterized by massive nodules near the base of the
root. Field experiments were conducted on 40 hectares. The peas treated with
electrified inoculant produced 34% more yield than a control crop.
Carbon dioxide evolution in the soil increased over 35%. The authors also
reported that treatment of seed with electric-spark discharge destroys
microflora and activates the germination process. (11)
An electrified
fence was invented by Henry T. Burkey in 1947 to keep fish out of irrigation
ditches. The fence consisted of a free-swinging row of electrodes connected to
a generator which slightly charged the water to shock fish without hurting
them.(12)
5.
Alternating
Current
When using AC,
great care must be taken to prevent electrocution of oneself and the plants.
AC generally tends to retard plant growth except within certain narrow
parameters of voltage and amperage. Dicotyledon plants increase in weight at
10 KV and 100 KV, but decrease in weight (as much as 45%) between 20 to 60 KV.
Current must be very low, or plant growth will be retarded.
L.E. Murr used
aluminum wire mesh electrodes charged up to 60 KV, and found that
monocotyledons increase in dry weight in an electrostatic (ES) field, but
decrease in weight in an oscillating field. The dry weight of dicots increases
about 20% when grown in an oscillating field, but decreases above 50 KV. The
concentration of minor elements (Fe, Zn, Al) increases several hundred percent
in active leaf tips, due to an increase in oligo-enzymes. The activity of
these substances is accelerated so much that cellular respiration is impeded,
resulting in deterioration and death. There appears to be no benefit from
continual exposure of plants to an alternating electrical field. If such a
system is used, voltages should not exceed 10 KV, and the current must be very
weak.(13-15)
However, the
results can be worthwhile. In a similar system, the maximum energy supplied
was 50 watts (50 KV/1 mA) per acre for 6 hours daily for 6 months. The total
energy supplied was less than 0.2% of the energy actually absorbed by the
plants from sunlight alone. Only a fraction of this additional energy was
available to the plants, yet the increase averaged above 20%, up to 50%!
Furthermore, it was found that an electrical discharge applied during the
first month of the growing season may be as effective as continued treatment
throughout the season.
In November 1927
and January 1928, Popular Science Monthly announced H. L. Roe's
invention of an electrified plow which sent 103 KV between the plow shares to
kill pests in the soil. In 1939, Fred Opp invented a garden cultivator that
used high-tension electric current to increase the nitrogen content of the
soil. The system was described in Popular Science Monthly (October
1939):
"A generator with
an output of 110 volts AC, a storage battery for exciting the armature field,
and a transformer that steps up the current to 15 KV... [is] mounted on a
walking-type garden tractor equipped with a small gasoline motor that drives
both the tractor and the generator. Current is conducted through a pair of
electrodes to furrows in the soil made by a cultivator. As the electrodes are
dragged along, soil falls on top of them, making the contact"
The same method
was incorporated into the "Electrovator" built by Gilbert M. Baker, as
reported in Popular Science (September 1946):
"It is a trailer
containing a... 12.5 KVA generator and a special transformer. Two rakes with
copper electrodes for teeth apply the high-voltage, low-amperage current to
weeds as the machine is drawn at 1 mph... The weeds burn, from the tops to
root-tips, leaving the land ready for new crops. The treatment can be repeated
for successive growth."
In 1911, Emilio
Olsson patented an irrigation system using electrified rain. The water was
contained in an insulated iron tank, positively charge with 110 V/0.5 A. The
negative pole was insulated copper wire, stripped bare at the tip. The
sprinklers were mounted 5 meters high. Olsson successfully cultivated a
600-acre plantation with this method. The city of Buenos Aires adopted the
system for use in its parks.(16)
The treatment of
seeds in an electric field before sowing gives a consistent increase in yield,
usually about 15-20%. L.A. Azin and F.Y. Izakov reported these results of
their research:
"The
electric field of the corona discharge differs from the electrostatic field by
possessing considerable homogeneity and by the precession of space charges of
the same sign in its working zone. Because of this any particle, including a
seed, receives a charge of the same sign in such a field. The [ES] field is
homogenous and does not possess space charges, although charging may take
place here because a seed, if placed on the metal electrode, acquired a charge
by contact, corresponding in its sign to the polarity of the
electrode."
N.F. Kozhevnikova
and S.A. Stanko experimented with AC effects. They found:
"After treatment
in optimal conditions, the yield of green mass is increased by 10-30%, and the
yield of grain by 10-20%. Besides the increased yield, treatment of seeds with
an alternating current may improve other economically valuable properties of
cultivated crops: the leaf cover of the plants may be increased, the
vegetative period may be shortened, the absolute weight of the grain may be
increased, and so on..."
The seeds were
treated with 2-4 KV/cm, with 8 KV on the electrodes of the working chamber.
Exposure was for 30 seconds, or for 1 hour. It was found that if treated seeds
were kept for 10-17 days before sowing, the mature plants would contain up to
86% more chlorophyll and 50% more carotenoids than the controls!
(17)
B.R. Lazarencko
and J.B. Gorbatovska reported similar results achieved under various
conditions of corona discharge treatments of seeds:
"After electric
treatment of this type, an increase in their germination rate and, in
particular, in the energy of germination was observed. The improvement was
especially marked in the properties of seeds located on the negative electrode
during treatment. In this case an increase in yield of 2-6 centners/hectare
was obtained with nearly all the conditions of treatment used. The increase in
yield was smaller for plants whose seeds were treated on the positive
electrode. Corn seeds, treated in a constant electric field, gave good yields
which developed rapidly. Green tomatoes ripen faster if they are placed in an
electric field close to the positive electrode or between the poles of a
magnet, especially close to the south pole.
The viability and
the fertilizing power of the pollen at first increased and then decreased as
the duration of its treatment in a constant electric field was lengthened. In
optimal conditions this fertilizing power was increased from twice to four
times. The use of high voltage electric fields for the treatment of pollen has
led to the modification of its bioelectrical properties and has made it
possible to influence the fertilization process: the setting rate of fruit has
been increased during hybridization of varieties of more distant forms, and
the failure to cross distant species of fruiting plants has been overcome.
(18)
Seed-borne
bacteria, fungi and insects can be destroyed without injuring the seeds, by
application of high-frequency ES fields between capacitor plates. Pests are
destroyed when a lethal degree of heat is developed within a few seconds. A
longer exposure is required to cause decreased germination of seeds than is
necessary to kill pests. (19, 20)
By this same
method, it is possible to increase the power of germination of old seeds or
seeds which are naturally difficult to germinate. Starch is increased, invert
sugar is increased, and albumin is changed by such treatment. A greater
percentage of treated seeds sprout sooner than untreated seeds. High-frequency
ES fields also can be used either to inactivate or enhance enzymatic
metabolism of fruits and vegetables, thus prolonging their stability, or
hastening their ripening. In an ES field of 36 KV/m, the negative pole
positioned above the seeds enhances their germination. The positive pole above
the seeds inhibits germination. In the 1930s, V. Lebedev used very low power
ultrashort waves to irradiate seeds, resulting in 20-45% accelerated plant
growth. Similar results were obtained with potato tubers, and gladiolus bulbs
were grown without cold pre-treatment.
The effects are
thought to be caused by conduction currents or dipole antenna resonance. The
lethal effect begins at about 10.4 meters wavelength (29 MHz) when the
condensor plates are 2-3 cm apart. Other researchers have reported similar
effects with the following parameters: Plates, 12 cm diam.; Current, 5.5 amps;
Wavelength, 5.6 meters (50 MHz); Temperature, 30-40o C. The lethal
effects depend on the wavelength and the voltage gradient of the field
strength (the distance between the condensor plates). Increasing either the
frequency or the field strength while other factors remain constant increases
the speed of the effect on pests. An increase of either factor requires more
current, yet at certain frequencies (around 3 MHz), much less current is
required for effective results (about 4 KV per linear inch). The higher the
frequency, the shorter the lethal time. The thickness of the seeds and their
moisture content also changes a lethal dose. The temperature of the seeds and
pests may rise up to 60o C. A similar method was developed to
destroy termites in wood, using a 20 MHz signal for the purpose.
Experiments
conducted by H. Kronig showed that after a week of development, seeds exposed
to extremely low frequency (0.5-20 Hz) fields, wheat seeds grew an average of
23% greater length than non-electrified controls.
Other
experimenters have found that the high-frequency currents generated by a Tesla
coil will protect plants from temperatures as low as 10o F, which
destroyed unprotected plants. (28)
In 1920, Thomas
Curtis used a large, oil-immersed Tesla coil (10 KV/500 W) to supply
high-tension current over a 200 sq ft plot planted with radishes and lettuce.
The electrified crops were at least 50% larger than the normal
crops.
6.
Magnetism
Plant breeder
Alberto Pirovano published some 50 papers on inherited changes in plants which
he induced by treatment with low frequency or constant magnetic
fields.
Albert R. Davis
received U.S. Patent #3,030,590 for his system of gardening with magnetism.
Davis said:
"We found... that
treating above ground seeds with the South Pole of a magnet [1,500-2,500
gauss] increases the germination and growth, and the leaves of these
vegetables are larger.
"If you treat
seeds [of]... beets, potatoes, carrots or turnips, you will produce a better
result by using the North Pole of the magnet."
The magnetic
influence also softens the surface tension of water, which then is more
readily absorbed by the seeds and plants.
U.J. Pittmaan
conducted extensive field experiments with these results:
"Earth's magnetism
can effect the direction of root growth of some plants, and also the growth
rate of some seedlings... The roots of some plants [winter and spring wheat,
and wild oats] normally align themselves in a N-S plane approximately parallel
to the horizontal face of Earth's magnetic field... Winter wheat seeded in
rows running at right angles to the magnetic N often out-yield wheat seeded in
other direction by 3-4 bushels/acre because the roots grow in a N-S direction
and utilize nutrients in the inter-row areas more extensively.
"Seeds of some
varieties of wheat, barley, flax, and rye were found to germinate faster and
grow more during their seedling stages when their long axes and embryo ends
are pointed toward the N magnetic pole than when they are pointed in any other
direction.
"Many seeds
germinate and grow about two times faster if they are exposed to the N pole of
an artificial field before they are planted than they are not so treated ~
wheat seed in particular grows about 5 times as much in the first 48 hours as
unexposed seed.
"In some species
the enhanced growth rate persists through to maturity. Green snap beans thus
mature more uniformly and yield more than those from untreated seed planted
randomly.
"The effects of
magnetic treatment before germination appear to remain active within some
seeds for at least 18 months after application. The magnetic intensity
required to give maximum response appears to be between 0.5 and 100 Oersted
when applied for 240 hours. For some unknown reason a greater growth response
occurs if the seeds are subjected to magnetism for 48, 144, 240, or 336 hours
than if exposed for intermediate periods. An exposure for 240 hours produces
maximum responses in most seeds..." (21)
Pittman discovered
that the sexual determination of monoecious plants such as corn and cucumbers
also is affected by the geomagnetic field:
"If the embryo
radical of such plants is oriented toward the North, a greater number of
female flowers is formed than in the case of seeds oriented toward the South.
Since cucumber fruits are produced from the female flower, Northward
orientation of the seed radicals will lead, of course, to greater yield per
plant.
"In general,
Northward orientation of the embryonic radical (particularly of corn)
promotes masculinity. The response of seeds when oriented toward the
geomagnetic poles depends on the left- or right-handedness of the seed and the
sexual characteristics of the plant type. When oriented with the tip of the
embryo radical towards the S geomagnetic pole, l-rotary seeds demonstrate
higher rates of growth, respiration, and enzymatic activity, and up to 50%
greater yields. D-rotary seeds respond with up to 50% enhanced growth rates
and yields when their embryo tips are pointed at the N pole."
When conifer seeds
are grown with their embryo radicals oriented S, they germinate 4-5 days
earlier than seeds oriented toward the N pole. Lunar phases also have a
profound effect on the germination of conifers. They will sprout much faster
when their embryo radicals are oriented S during a full moon, than they will
if germinated during the new moon.
If there is any
doubt about the directivity or gender of seeds, positive results can be
obtained in any case by treating seeds for 2 weeks in the magnetic null, the
quiet region where the magnetic pull is balanced between N and S. This region
is located by observing the patterns formed by iron powder scattered on a
glass pane placed over the magnet.
Pittman also grew
potatoes from excised, magnetically treated eyes. The field-grown crop yielded
17% more marketable tubers that weighed 38.5% more than those grown from
untreated eyes! Pittman concluded:
"Pre-germination
magnetic treatment of the eye may have effected a change in the metabolic
process in the bud that eventually promoted earlier and greater tuber
initiation. Tubers initiated early would have had more time to develop size
than those initiated later.
"The exposure of
seeds to magnetic fields also increases the percentage of germination of
apricot and apple seeds, increases the yields of snap beans, accelerates the
growth of legume and cereal seedlings, and the rate of tomato
ripening."
P.W. Ssawsotin
reported that a low intensity (60 Oe) field may affect some biological
processes as much as high intensity (1,600 Oe) magnets. Some of the effective
"windows" are quite narrow. Strevoka, et al., found that a field
strength of 60 Oe increased the growth rate of beans, cucumbers, lupines,
maize and rye, but the rye was unaffected by a 100 Oe field. The greatest
results were obtained at the temperatures which are optimal for the growth of
each type of plant. (22)
Other Russian
researchers found that wheat and barley seeds pre-magnetized (2,000 Oe) for 30
minutes with the major axis aligned with the magnetic flux will
germinate much more vigorously than control seeds. Germination actually is
retarded when seeds are aligned against the flux. Corn seeds respond
differently according to their left (l-) or right (d-)
orientation or symmetry (s) when treated by a constant magnetic field
(7 kOe) for 15 minutes. L-seeds are most responsive, showing increased
potassium and water uptake and free amino acids 24 hours after treatment. The
effect on l-seeds is strongest when the water-swollen embryo is
oriented towards the N magnetic pole. Lazarenko and Gorbatovskaya also
reported other strange effects:
"Even more curious
results were yielded by experiments in which seeds were heated in a test tube
left for 30 minutes in boiling water... Compared to the control seeds, the
seeds heated (in the dry state described above) and exposed to the magnetic
field exhibited greater sprouting activity..."
Other experiments
have shown that treatment of soil with magnetized water and/or low-frequency
current (0.5 or 5 A) activates soil potassium and phosphorus, thereby
increasing their bioavailability. (23, 24)
A.V. Krylov also
demonstrated magnetotropic phenomena in plants:
"Germination of
seeds in a constant magnetic field accelerated growth of the shoots and
rootlets and development of the plant, while an increase in its positive sign
promoted aging, disease and death. Polarity also plays a role in plant
immunity. Seedlings with their rootlets turned toward the N pole were thickly
infested by parasites and molds, and the resistance of these seedlings was
obviously depressed. The appearance of seedlings facing the S pole (with all
other conditions the same) was completely different."
In a 1,500 Oe
field, the largest number of germinating seeds was found after an exposure of
10-30 and 300 minutes. Other gains were found at 2,800 Oe. If the magnetic
field is too intense, germination can be retarded. Strevoka reported a
contrary finding: a non-homogenous 12,000 Oe field suppresses the germination
of beans up to 40%.(25)
DeLand's
Frost Guard ~ The "Frost Guard Tower"
developed by John DeLand in the 1940s used magnetism to replace obnoxious
smudge pots. He obtained high yields from orange trees formerly considered to
be too old to be productive. The DeLand system can protect one acre of trees
from frost, but it is ineffective for small plants. George van Tassel gave
this description of the device:
"The DeLand Frost
Guard Tower is about 32 feet high. It is composed of three 12-ft lengths of
standard galvanized steel pipe. The lowest section is 2-inch pipe, set 3 ft
deep in concrete. On top of this a 12-ft section of 1.5 inch pipe is screwed
on by means of a reducer. Above this the top section of 12-foot pipe, 1-inch
in diameter, is screwed on by means of a reducer. Resting horizontally atop
each reducer and at the mast head is a 1-ft diameter disk of waterproof,
3/4-inch plywood. Near the outer diameter of each plywood disk or collar is
drilled 7 holes. These holes are parallel to the center mast and are equally
spaced around the diameter, 51-1/2 degrees apart.
"Beginning at the
top of the mast, with an extension of 6 or 7 inches parallel to the ground,
#10 gauge bare copper wires are run down through the concrete foundation's
outer edge. From there they branch out, in 18-inch deep trenches, to a
distance of not more than 144 ft from the mast's center. At this point, each
wire is wrapped several times around an Alnico-V permanent magnet. The end of
each wire is brought above ground and pointed back toward its corresponding
other end on top of the tower. The magnet is given a coat of plastic to
protect it from rust and to hold the windings in place.
"The trenches and
magnets are covered with earth. The 18-inch depth is to protect the wires from
cultivation, they must remain uncut if the system is to function. One wire on
the tower, and hence in the earth, must point toward magnetic North. The
placing of this first magnet must be done very accurately, and the others
should be accurately placed.
"The magnet sets
are inclined toward the mast at 34 degrees to the surface of the ground.
Pointing the buried bar magnets toward the North magnetic pole, but also
setting them so they point or tilt toward the central mast gives a skew to the
flux or flow of energy.
"This system has
protected groves when temperatures have fallen to as low as 20o F.
The system does not alter the air temperature in the grove. Rather, it seems
to effect a condition in the plants themselves, so that lower temperatures
will not induce freezing. Fruit laying on the ground will freeze, however."
(26-28)
7.
Electrogenic Seed
Treatment
In the 1970s,
Andrew Zaderej and Claude Corson formed Intertec, Inc., to develop and market
their "Electrogenic Seed Treatment", based on Zaderej's US Patent 4,302,670. A
variety of atmospheric conditions are known to benefit plant development; the
Intertec system simulates these. The seeds are conditioned and rejuvenated,
resulting in more rapid germination and increased yields.
Seeds are sprayed
with a solution of minerals and enzymes which is implanted into the seed coat
by electrophoresis; this accelerates chromosomatic activity. A second
exposure to high voltage negative ions increases the implantation. Then the
seeds are exposed to infrared radiation in order to reduce the hard-seed
dormancy and increase the metabolism of ATP.
The next stage
uses an electrostatic charge to give cathodic protection. This reduces the
mortality rate of seeds by providing a source of electrons to buffer the
reaction with free-radical nutrient ions. Seeds must be moist when treated
with cathodic protection. Dry seeds may be damaged by this treatment, but
damaged seeds can be repaired somewhat if they are moistened. Cathodic
protection increases viability and germination up to 200%.
The final stage of
the Electrogenic process treats seeds with select radio frequencies which
stress the memory of DNA molecules, charges the mitochondria, and intensifies
other metabolic processes. This treatment increases the degree of water
absorption, electrical conductivity, and oxygen uptake. The frequencies range
from 800 KHz to 1.5 MHz with a field intensity of 3.2 W/sq cm.
The seeds need to
be treated at or near where they are to be sown. For some unknown reason, the
effects of Electrogenic treatment apparently do not travel well.
8.
Sound
The growth of
plants can be stimulated by sound alone. The effect continues up to 50 KHz.
Frequencies of 4-5 KHz are particularly effective for increasing germination,
enzyme activity, and respiration.
Normally, the
streaming movement of protoplasm in plant cells slows down in the early
morning and evening, but this streaming can be accelerated by an audio
frequency generator used for 30 minutes at a distance of about 5 feet from the
plants. As a result, the amount and rate of growth increases. Plants should
not be treated thus for more than 3 hours daily, or the plants are likely to
die within a month or two, depending on the quality of the sound and its
intensity. Very loud, high frequency sound causes cellular disruption and
death. Some rock'n roll music also does so.
A revolutionary
process called "Sonic Bloom", invented by Dan Carlson, uses a 3 KHz tone
(modulated to produce birdlike chirps and whistles) and a foliar spray (55
trace minerals, seaweed, gibberillin and amino acids) to produce
"indeterminate growth in plants". His first success was with a Purple Passion
house plant that normally grows only about 18 inches. Under the influence of
Sonic Bloom, the plant eventually grew over 1,200 feet, and earned itself a
place in the Guinness Book of World Records. (29)
Growers using
Sonic Bloom report dramatic increases in yield, better tasting vegetables and
fruits, and more brilliant flowers. Cultivators can expect increased
production and early maturity. Alfalfa sprouts will increase in weight by
1,200% within 3 days. The sprouts will have a much longer shelf life (2-3
weeks) than usual (3-4 days). Experiments with Sonic Bloom in Africa produced
plants which survived extremely hot weather and flooding. Sonic Bloom also
will produce fruit on first year trees. Apple farmers have reported
triple-sized yields, 8-month shelf life, and a huge increase in nutrient
values: 126% more potassium, 326% more chromium, 400% more iron, and 1,750%
more zinc. Losses to diseases and pests have been reduced more than
80%.
The possibilities
are unlimited. For example, Carlson says:
"One of our
greatest breakthroughs to make everyone understand how easy it is to feed
large amounts of people, involved a sucker on a tomato. A sucker is normally a
sterile branch which appears in between a side shoot and the main branch. Our
tomato plants grow 2 inches a day so if we allow a sucker to grow for seven
days, it's about 14 inches long. If we then cut it off, put it in the shade
and spray it once a day with a 1/4 ounce per gallon solution of Sonic Bloom,
in 10-14 days it becomes fully rooted and starts to grow 2 inches per day.
Fifty-five days later, it is 7-9 feet tall. Now, normal production on tomatoes
is 90 days. We're doing this in less than 55, plus we're producing at least
twice as much fruit in almost half the time.
Water is added to
the concentrated Sonic Bloom formula. The cassette (containing a 3 KHz signal
and nature sounds) is played at high volume with high treble and medium bass
for 10 minutes before spraying the plants. The plants are then sprayed while
the cassette is playing, and the sound is continued for another 20 minutes
after spraying. Both sides of the leaves should be saturated. Treatment is
best performed early in the morning (before 9 am), preferably in foggy
weather. On cold mornings, spraying should be delayed until late afternoon. Do
not spray plants when the temperature falls below 50o F. The
formula also can be administered in the regular weather supply, by
drip-feeding, hydroponics, etc.. The nutrient solution should be applied once
a month for the first month, then twice weekly thereafter. Seeds should be
soaked in dilute nutrient solution for 8 hours or overnight while the sound
tape is played continuously on a cassette deck with auto-reverse capability.
Plant the seeds immediately. The tape ought to be played daily for at least 30
minutes during daylight hours.
9.
Monochrome & Pulsed
Light
Plants respond to
light with a complex variety of reactions that are affected by the duration
(photoperiod), intensity, and wavelength of the light. During the 19th
century, Edward Babbitt and others reported that the germination of seeds
increases by 50% under the influence of blue light (provided by blue glass
filters). Plant vitality is increased, growth is accelerated, stem and leaf
development are improved, and yields are increased.
In 1861, General
A.J. Pleasanton constructed a 2,200 sq ft greenhouse in which every eighth
pane was blue. Pleasanton obtained phenomenal results in terms of increased
yields, improved flavor, etc, and he received US Patent # 119,242 for
"Improvements in Accelerating the Growth of Plants and Animals." He
recommended a ratio of white 8:1 blue light for optimal plant growth, and a
ration of 1:1 for best animal development. Blue light stimulates the
directional response of plants to light. Plants' pores open more widely in the
presence of blue light (use it with Sonic Bloom). Evaporation and
photosynthesis are intensified and chlorophyll production is accelerated.
However, some cells may rupture, and mitosis may be inhibited.
The He-Ne laser
(632.8 nm) can influence the phytochrome-controlled germination, growth and
development of plants from a distance of more than a quarter-mile. The maximum
effect is obtained by only 1 or 2 minutes of exposure to reflected laser
light. More than 10 minutes of irradiation will inhibit the phytochrome
response. In some cases, successive nightly irradiations of low intensity have
a significantly greater effect than a single exposure of greater length or
intensity. The response can be reversed by alternating exposure to laser and
infrared light. (30-32)
G. Krustev, et
al., investigated the effect of laser irradiation on hemp production, and
determined that laser treatment improved the sowing qualities of the seeds,
shortened the phases of plant development, produced more vigorous plants, and
increased the yields of both stems and seeds to a considerable extent. The
researchers used a He-Ne laser for 15 and 30 minutes, and a nitrogen laser
with 225 and 450 impulses. (33)
Red light can be
used to increase the growth of some plants (beans, etc.) up to ten times the
normal rate by stimulating phytochrome activity. Red light at 660 nm
stimulates growth, development, flowering, and fruiting. When red light at 700
nm is available with 650 nm red light, photosynthetic activity is considerably
greater than with either single frequency. Blue light at 420 nm enhances the
effect of 650 nm red light. Photosynthesis occurs at approximately 440
nm.
Photosynthesis can
be increased up to 400% by means of intermittent light. The researchers used a
rotating disk with a cut-out section to chop the light from a lamp. They found
that 75% of the light from a given source could be blocked without decreasing
the rate of photosynthesis. The improved yields produced by intermittent light
depends on the frequency of the flashing. A frequency of 4 flashes/minute
resulted in 100% increased yields. The amount of work done by the light can be
increased by shortening both the light and dark periods. For example, yields
can be increased 100% by using 133 flashes/second. Emerson and Williams
improved the yield (compared to continuous light) by 400% by using only 50
flashes/second. The light flashes must be much shorter than the dark period.
The minimum dark period is about 0.03 at 25o C. The light reaction
begins with about 0.001 second/flash, and it depends on the concentration of
carbon dioxide.
A. Shakhov, et
al., developed several methods of applying Concentrated Pulsed Sunlight
(CPSL) to stimulate the photoenergetic activity of seeds and plants. The
flashes of CPSL last from 0.2 to 1 second and produce significant effects on
physiological processes and increase plant productivity. The CPSL effect is
not caused by the thermal action of concentrated light, but by endowing plants
with a "photoenergy reserve" that increases yields of vegetable crops by
20-30%, and grain crops by 5-10%.
Arrays of aluminum
and glass dishes are used to concentrate sunlight up to 100 times. The
apparatus is shaken lightly by various means to pulse the irradiation as it is
directed on seeds or plants. In one such device, a large semi-conical aluminum
reflector is rotated by a motor at 100-130 rpm. The seeds arrange themselves
in a single layer on the wall of the pan and receive intermittent irradiation
as they pass through a fixed focal spot on the inside wall. Artificial
lighting (70,000 lux) pulsed 120 flashes/min. was found to produce effects
even though the light energy was much lower than that of CPSL. With duckweed,
maximum growth was obtained with a pulse period of 0.004 second.
Another system
uses tinted mirrors to produce single colors. S.A. Stanko irradiated soy
plants with pulsed red light for 30 min/day for a week, resulting in a 8%
increase in the protein content of the beans.
Thomas G.
Hieronymous discovered that a plant can be grown in complete darkness indoors
if it is connected by an insulated wire to a large metal surface that is
exposed to sunlight. The plant must be at least 6 feet above ground and
insulated to generate a voltage potential or antenna effect. The optimal size
of the metal sheet must be determined by experiment so as to avoid sunburn
(too large) or yellowing (too small). Plants cultivated in this manner will
develop normally, while control plants will be stunted.
Dr. Wilhelm Reich
(of Orgone fame) also found that plants could be grown without light if they
were grown with magnetite that had been exposed to sunlight. The magnetite
absorbs and reradiates solar energies that are utilized by
plants.
10.
References
1.Lazarenko, B. & Gorbatovskaya, J.: Applied Electrical
Phenomena #6 (March-April 1966)
2.Gradenwitz,
Alfred: Popular Science Monthly (June 1925)
3. Lakhovsky, G.:
The Secret of Life; 1939, W. Heinemann, London
4. Briggs, Lyman,
et al.: USDA Departmental Bulletin #1379 (January
1926)
5. Scientific American (10 June 1905)
6.
Blackmann, V.H.: J. Agric. Sci. 14: 120-186 (1924)
7. Ross,
W.: U.S. Commissioner of Patents Report 27: 370 (1844)
8. Sci.
Amer. (15 Feb. 1920), pp. 142-143
9. Practical
Electrics (Nov. 1921)
10. Moore, A.D.:
Electrostatics & Its Applications; 1972, Wiley &
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(20): 147-154 (Mar.-Apr. 1968)
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13. Murr, L.E.:
Advancing Frontiers of Plant Sciences 15: 97-120
14. Murr, L.E.:
N.Y. Acad. Sci. Trans. 27 (7): 761-771 (1965)
15. Murr, L.E.:
Nature 201: 1305 (1964); ibid., 203: 467-469 (1965);
ibid., 208: 1305 (1964)
16. Sci.
Amer. (19 Aug. 1911)
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N.F., & Stank, S.A.: Appl. Electr. Phenom. #2 (Mar.-Apr.
1966)
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(1929)
19. Headlee, T.: N.J. Experimental Station Bulletin #568
(April 1929)
20. Pittman, U.J.:
Canadian J. Plant Sci. 43: 513-518 (1963); ibid., 52: 727-733
(Sept. 1972); ibid., 44: 283-287 (May 1964); ibid., 47: 389-393
(July 1967); ibid., 50: 350 (May 1970); ibid., 51: 64-65
(January 1971)
21. Strevoka, et
al.: Planta 12: 327
22. Khevdelidze,
M.A., et al.: Appl. Electr. Phenom. 1 (19): 52-59 (Jan.-Feb.,
1968)
23. Chemical Abstracts 96: 49235b; ibid., 96:
67828b
24. Appl. Electr. Phenom. 6: 454-458 (Nov.-Dec.
1967)
25. Van Tassel, Geo.: Proc. College of Universal Wisdom;
1974, Big Rock, CA
26. Burridge,
Gaston: Round Robin (Sept.-Oct. 1971), p. 17
27. Paleg, L.G.:
Nature 228: 970-973 (1970)
28. Paleg, L.G.,
& Aspinall, D.: J. Gen. Physiol. 15: 391-420 (1932)
29. Dan
Carlson Enterprises, Inc.: 708 - 119th Lane N.E., Blaine MN 55434 USA; Tel.
1-612-757-8274; Agro-Sonic Res. Farm: Tel. 1-715-425-1407; Fax
1-715-425-1727
30. Dycus, A.M.,
& Schultz, Alice: Plant Physiology Supplement #39
31.
Shakhov, A.A., et al.: Biofizika 10, No. 4
(1965)
32 Shakhov, A.A.: Applied Electrical Phenomena 2:
134-145 (1965)
33. Biol.
Abstr. 84: 83306