https://doi.org/10.65770/LNCK5850
ABSTRACT
Electroculture is defined by the use of electromagnetic stimulation (EM) to stimulate seed germination, plant growth, and/or increase yields. The study of EM has existed sporadically over nearly three hundred years. Recently, electroculture has re-emerged into mainstream discussion due to trending social media content pertaining to inexpensive “passive” EM garden devices made with copper-wrapped garden stakes. In this paper, we will provide an overview of past research on electroculture, describe the physiology-based explanations that have been proposed to account for observed effects of EM on plant growth; evaluate the evidence supporting classical studies and modern research efforts; and differentiate scientific “active” electroculture techniques from what appear to be unsupported “passive” approaches based upon limited data.
References
- [1] Briggs, L. J., Heald, R. H., & Flint, L. H. (1926). Electroculture. United States Department of Agriculture. (USDA Report No. 1379).
- [2] Chier, M., Oakey, A., Budny, M. L., & Lemoine, N. P. (2025). Passive electroculture using copper rods does not improve yield in home container vegetable gardening. PLOS ONE, 20(8), e0329615. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0329615
- [3] Christianto, V., & Smarandache, F. (2021). A review on electroculture, magneticulture and laserculture to boost plant growth. Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences – Botany, 40(1), 65-69.
- [4] Goldsworthy, A. (2006). Effects of electrical and electromagnetic fields on plants and related topics. In A. G. Volkov (Ed.), Plant electrophysiology: Theory and methods (pp. 247-267). Springer.
- [5] Jones, D. B., Bolwell, G. P., & Gilliatt, G. J. (1986). Amplification, by pulsed electromagnetic fields, of plant growth regulator induced phenylalanine ammonia-lyase during differentiation in suspension cultured plant cells. Journal of Bioelectricity, 5(1), 1-12.
- [6] Lee, J., & Oh, M. (2023). Electric field: A new environmental factor for controlling plant growth and development in agriculture. Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology, 64, 545-562. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-023-00525-y
- [7] Lemström, S. (1904). Electricity in agriculture and horticulture. George Tucker.
- [8] Nollet, J. A. (1747). Recherches sur les causes particulieres des phenomenes electriques et sur les effets nuisibles ou avantageux qu’on peut en attendre. H. L. Guérin & L. F. Delatour. Pohl, H. A. (1977). Electroculture. Journal of Biological Physics, 5(1), 1-33.
- [9] Schmiedchen, K., Petri, A. K., Driessen, S., & Bailey, W. H. (2018). Systematic review of biological effects of exposure to static electric fields. Part II: Invertebrates and plants. Environmental Research, 160, 60-76.
- Scott, B. I. H. (1967). Electric fields in plants. Annual Review of Plant Physiology, 18, 409-418.
- Shine, M. B., Guruprasad, K. N., & Anand, A. (2011). Enhancement of germination, growth, and photosynthesis in soybean by pre-treatment of seeds with magnetic field. Bioelectromagnetics, 32(6), 474-484.
Download all article in PDF
