The Effects of Magnets on Plant Growth
In a way, the Earth itself is a magnet. Its core generates a magnetic field and the Earth’s crust has some permanent magnetization. Strong, permanent magnets like rare-earth magnets are made from alloys of rare-earth elements, which are set in heavy metals, and exist in two types — neodymium and samarium-cobalt.
Given their relationship with the natural environment, it shouldn’t come as a shock that magnets have an effect on plant growth. But scientists and scholars have still wondered about the extent to which magnets influence this process.
A Study on “Magneto Culture”
In 2020, STEAM Fair participant Logan Berger set out to prove just how much of an impact neodymium magnets can have by entering the fair with a topic on “magneto culture,” which is the magnetic influence on plant growth. Berger was inspired to conduct his experiment when he realized that his garden always suffered plant growth issues in the spring and summer. Research on magnets and their effect on seedling germination existed but Berger hypothesized that pea plant seeds surrounded by the highest number of magnets would see the highest plant growth. NASA had previously conducted a similar experiment by using ferromagnets; they have the magnetic flux density of 50 kitchen magnets at once. Ultimately, Berger’s idea was proven to be true when the number of neodymium magnets directly influenced the growth rate of each seedling used in the experiment. In fact, just the presence of one additional magnet was enough to increase plant growth by twice the height in centimeters.Procedure
Due to its simple process, Berger’s test can easily be repeated by anyone at home wanting to capitalize on the effects of neodymium magnets on plant growth to enhance their garden. Take the following steps:- Soak pea seedlings (or any seedlings) in room temperature water for 2 hours
- Fill your pot with potting mix (Berger recommends Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Potting Mix)
- Add at least 1 - 2 disc magnets to each pot and place magnets ½ inch from the seedling
- Add roughly 5ml of water to your pot everyday
- Watch your plants grow over the next 16 weeks