The Effects of Uniform and Nonuniform Magnetic Fields in Plant Growth: A Meta-Analysis Approach

Abstract

Overview

Magnetic field (MF) effects have been observed in various aspects of plant life including growth, seed germination, gene expression, and water usage. This has led to the proposal of magnetic treatments as a sustainable alternative for improving agricultural yields.

Findings

• A positive impact of nonuniform MF on fresh weight of plants was found, while its effect on germination rate was neutral.
• A significant correlation exists between uniform MF and improved germination, demonstrating the varied effects of MF on plant biology.
• The influence of MFs on plants is heavily contingent upon the specific conditions of the experimental setup.

Conclusion

Our multilevel meta-analysis reveals that nonuniform magnetic fields potentially optimize fresh weight in different species, whereas uniform magnetic fields are likely more effective for boosting germination over time. This suggests that plants might respond to MF gradients rather than their overall strength, leading to intriguing possibilities about the biophysical mechanisms involved and their application in sustainable farming.