Abstract

Overview

This study investigates the impact of alternating magnetic fields (MF) at Schumann resonance frequencies on wheat plants. Schumann resonances, natural electromagnetic waves surrounding the Earth, have accompanied the evolution of life forms but their specific biological effects in direct comparison with non-resonant frequencies are less known.

Findings

• Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields stimulate morphometric parameters and physiological processes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
• Transient processes such as photosynthesis and light-induced electrical potential changes epitomize this effect.
• Demonstration of a dependence of effect intensity on the frequency of applied MF, with significant results seen at 14.3 Hz, corresponding to the second harmonic of Schumann resonance.

Conclusion

The study concludes that Schumann resonance frequencies might influence plant interaction with environmental shifts such as increased lightning due to climate change or in artificial ecosystems outside Earth's atmosphere. This underscores the sensitivity of plant signal-regulatory systems to specific MF frequencies under altered electromagnetic conditions.