Bio-Stimulation in an Agriculture Context

Article written by Stuart Chaney

A brief introduction to bio-stimulation technology in agriculture – the theme and timing slotting perfectly into the topic of Physics in Agriculture (see ODPG 2021 Conference in March 2021, Waihi)

2020 Research into impacts of low frequency electromagnetic fields in nature

In the context of sought-after advances in productivity and product quality in New Zealand agriculture, we pose the question – are there new technologies capable of achieving these seemingly conflicting demands sustainably and eco-friendly that we are unaware of?

In June 2020 a research paper “In-Vitro Activation of Microbial Growth in Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields” published in the Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, concluded “the use of low frequency electromagnetic fields has a direct stimulus effect on the microbial development of Trichoderma asperelloides, Pisolithus microcarpus, Suillus sp. and Bradyrhizobium japonicum” [these are beneficial microorganisms]. This study was following on from earlier research dating back to 2004 Potenza et al; Goa et al, 2005; Buchachenko and Kuznetsov 2014; Pospisilova 2015; showing that exposure of microorganisms to different intensities of electromagnetic fields can result in significant increases in the development and activity of these microorganisms.

Underpinning the importance of this more recent study is increasing awareness that widespread use of synthetic molecules to control weeds, pests or to increase soil fertility has an adverse impact on the environment, which suffers the consequences and tends to seek balance restoration. It is now appreciated that pesticides and mineral fertilisers in agro-systems alters the chemical, physical and microbiological and energetic balance above and below the soil, directly affecting all life forms in the system (mostly detrimentally). Nature resorts to a feature called resilience to restore the original state of equilibrium which may take un-interrupted decades to achieve.

The 2020 research was conducted under “in-vitro” laboratory conditions, eliminating the largely unquantifiable impacts on diverse soil microbiota under field conditions. Two groups of ectomycorrhizal fungi (Pisolithus and Suillus) and the bacterium Bradyrhizobium japonicum were studied as these were naturally occurring in the soil and were widespread. A relatively inert carrier material (silicon dioxide) bio-programmed with a low frequency electromagnetic field was used – one of the controls used this carrier material without being bio-programmed to eliminate the carrier material as an influencer. Two different dosages of the bio-programmed silicon dioxide were used (1 gram per litre, and 2 grams per litre) to assess impact of increased microorganism activity with higher dosage levels of low frequency electromagnetic energy.

2020 Research outcomes

Conclusively,the Pisolithus fungus growth increased +154% (@ 1 gram/litre) and +216% (@ 2 gm/litre); Suillus increase was +236% & +301%; Bacterium concentration was +107% and +174% respectively. [Link to study http://jaesnet.com/vol-9-no-1-june-2020-abstract-1-jaes]

How does it work!

“Bio-stimulation” technology uses these low-strength, low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) which create energy potentials, including an oxidation-reduction potential, simulating various biological processes in plants, animals, soils and water. The consequence is the ability of microbial activation and regulation of biological processes resulting in improved quality of the agricultural environment and consequently of crops and livestock in a viably manageable way.

Bio-stimulation brings more than just a new set of “tools” for the farmer looking for a solution towards natural sustainability – being compatible with whatever motivates you to change, having no relevance to where you currently slot on the conventional to organic spectrum, plus can supplement existing alternative approaches to achieve sustainability goals.

The production process for this technology is highly scalable, has been commercialised and is being used successfully globally.

What is the bio-stimulation score-card to-date?

Globally the following outcomes are being achieved:

Soils – stimulated soil biology leading to activated mycorrhizal growth resulting in increased nutrient availability, increased humus formation, more permeable and drought-tolerant soils, compaction-resistance.
Plants – optimised photosynthesis, stimulated root growth, increased nutrient take-up, more vigorous growth.
Compost – accelerated decomposition of in-situ plant residue.
Manure – promoted aerobic decomposition of organic material.
Animals – promotes the immune system, increases stress resistance, optimises feed efficiency.
Water – changes to water structure back to fresh spring water, improving taste, increasing water’s solubility.

Many thanks to Stuart Chaney from Penergetic New Zealand Limited for writing this article for the ODPG, which will also be available on our Resource pages.

If you would like to contribute an article, please email us at odpg22@gmail.com with a proposal.

PHYSICS IN AGRICULTURE

MARCH 21st / 22nd | WAITAWHETA CAMP, WAIHI

This year our two-Day ODPG Conference & AGM is venturing into new territory…

With FIVE renowned speakers and TWO farm field-trips, we’ll be delving into the concepts of Biodynamics, Paramagnetism, Skeletal Sensory Shock, Electromagnetism, Infrared Radiation and Homeopathy as we investigate the role of Physics in Agriculture.

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