Cold plasma and gardening

[pepper2.0]

I found this to be interesting, cold plasma (aka non-thermal plasma) used on seeds makes a significant difference in germination and plant growth, up to around 50% by using it on a seed for about 30 seconds.

for anyone who doesn't know what cold plasma is, it is basically made from high electricity and gases, such as helium for example. It also kills bacteria and is being used in some hospitals.

Studies have shown that cold plasma treatment can significantly enhance seed germination rates, seedling length, root length, and overall seedling dry weight. For example, one study found that cold plasma treatment increased soybean seedling length from 2.70 cm to 78.13 cm and seedling dry weight from 1.80 g to 36.63 g. Cold plasma affects both seed germination and continuous growth of the plant. It improves germination by altering the seed coat to enhance nutrient absorption and water uptake. Additionally, it promotes continuous growth by triggering the production of plant growth regulators and enhancing the plant's resistance to various stresses.

It isn't that hard to build a DIY cold plasma pen but not very safe so I wouldn't recommend it unless you know exactly what you are doing. The medical ones can be purchased for around 3k-5k USD but you need to do training before purchasing. However, I don't think it will be too far away before it becomes part of every hospital and farm equipment.

I love science and tech so this got me excited.

 

[Meadowlark]

Could seed companies offer cold plasma treated seeds at a premium price?

I guess it would depend on how quickly the seeds must be planted after treatment or maybe they must be planted before treatment?

 

[pepper2.0]

Could seed companies offer cold plasma treated seeds at a premium price?

I guess it would depend on how quickly the seeds must be planted after treatment or maybe they must be planted before treatment?

Apparently up to 6 months for full benefits. Pretty good for selling to a backyard gardener however a large scall farmer would be best to purchase the plasma wand themselves as part of the farm investment. That is, once they are created for large scale use specifically for seeds. We are not there yet for large scale but I don't think it will be long for it. If crops can be grown much faster and more resistant I'm sure someone will jump at the chance to design/patten it and make a fortune lol.

 

[Meadowlark]

Sounds like some enterprising seed company/entrepreneur should go for this technology.

 

[pepper2.0]

I don't know a ton about cold plasma so I guess there are things to factor in like the kind of gases to use price wise and effect.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Looks like Ali express are already selling pens, much cheaper.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007427027131.html?src=google&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21GBP%2118.70%219.29%21%21%21%21%21%40%2112000040716384097%21ppc%21%21%21&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=494-037-6276&isdl=y&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google_7_shopping&aff_platform=google&aff_short_key=UneMJZVf&gclsrc=aw.ds&&albagn=888888&&ds_e_adid=&ds_e_matchtype=&ds_e_device=c&ds_e_network=x&ds_e_product_group_id=&ds_e_product_id=en1005007427027131&ds_e_product_merchant_id=5508691329&ds_e_product_country=GB&ds_e_product_language=en&ds_e_product_channel=online&ds_e_product_store_id=&ds_url_v=2&albcp=17859500389&albag=&isSmbAutoCall=false&needSmbHouyi=false&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7NO7BhDsARIsADg_hIbEORY3atIxJCy3cOE1DgQMzi6YJFcQ981MCMOdTE77IrAQhJq_oLoaAvhqEALw_wcB

 

[pepper2.0]

Looks like Ali express are already selling pens, much cheaper.

I figured it wouldn't take long for them to become more widely available and cheaper. I also didn't notice what the date was that the research was done on the seeds.. it was new news to me but might have been years ago.

 

[Meadowlark]

It definitely is evolving... "a study published in November 2024 investigated the impact of cold plasma on soybean seed germination and found significant improvements in germination rates and seedling growth. Another review article from October 2024 summarized the effects of cold plasma on various plant physiological and biochemical processes, highlighting its potential applications in agriculture."

I found this interesting

How Does Cold Plasma Enhance Seed Germination and Plant Growth? | Technology Networks

 

[pepper2.0]

It definitely is evolving... "a study published in November 2024 investigated the impact of cold plasma on soybean seed germination and found significant improvements in germination rates and seedling growth. Another review article from October 2024 summarized the effects of cold plasma on various plant physiological and biochemical processes, highlighting its potential applications in agriculture."

I found this interesting

How Does Cold Plasma Enhance Seed Germination and Plant Growth? | Technology Networks

When it mentioned lightning (thermal plasma) the first thing that came to mind is how intense my garden grows right after a big lightning storm.

 

[Meadowlark]

Lightening is like a natural fertilizer converting atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates which garden plants can absorb. Wonders of Nature but can also be terrifying if you have ever been hit by it...and lived to tell.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Yes, lightning fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere, but the other one that seems to have an effect is snow. Never figured why, but a good snowfall is like a dose of fertilizer. Could there be electrical currents in the clouds? I know the formation of it in the cloud is not simple, but involves vertical currents of air.

 

[Meadowlark]

Never really lived/gardened in snow country...interesting.

 

[paulinkansas]

Isn't this similar to ozone? I've used an ozone generator to eliminate smoke odors in rental properties. They are about $35.

 

[Meadowlark]

Welcome!

"Ozone generators and cold plasma devices can both be used for air purification, but they work in different ways.

Ozone generators produce ozone (O₃), a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms. Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that can kill bacteria, viruses, and neutralize odors.

Cold plasma devices, on the other hand, use a partially ionized gas (plasma) at room temperature to produce reactive species that can also kill microorganisms and neutralize odors....and also as recent research shows can be beneficial to seed germination and plant growth. Unlike ozone generators, cold plasma devices do not produce harmful levels of ozone and are generally considered safer for use around people."

More about lightning nitrogen fixation:


"When a lightning bolt strikes, the immense heat and energy break the bonds of nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere (N₂). This allows the nitrogen atoms to combine with oxygen, forming nitrogen oxides (NOx). These nitrogen oxides can then be carried to the ground by rain, where they can be converted into forms that plants can use, such as nitrates."