Electrical stimulation of Cucumis sativus in an Antrosol using modified electrodes with transition metal oxides at the in situ pilot level

Abstract

Conventional agricultural systems can lead to degradation of the environment due to the high dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides; therefore, it is important to search for new technologies that help maintain the ecological balance. An example of this type of new technology is the electrofarming technique. This technology has been shown to improve the soil properties and the germination and growth processes of different types of plants. In this research, the effect of applying a low-intensity electric field using a 2D arrangement of electrodes with six modified IrO2-Ta2O5|Ti anodes around a bare Ti cathode as an in situ pilot level in 5.4 m3 of Anthrosol was determined. Electrofarming showed higher germination (59%) than farming (41%) after 18 days. This result validated the efficiency of the electrical stimulation of the seeds of cucumber in an Anthrosol with benefits on the physiological properties of cucumber plants (stem thickness, stem elongation, cotyledon length, true leaf size, root length), amount of biomass in the microbial population present in the soil (bacteria and fungi), as well as in its physicochemical properties (pH, soil organic matter, cationic exchange capacity, enzymatic activity, Ca+2, Mg+2, K+, and Na+), specifically in the area close to the anodes compared to farming.