PHOTOVOLTAIC ROOT STIMULATION
(Page 2 of 3)
January/February 1984
by TJ Byers
ACTUAL RESULTS
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Experiments done at the University of Maryland show that if the output of just one solar cell is fed to a plant's roots, a sizable increase in growth can be expected. In one test comparing growth in salvia plants, the experimenters began with 26 samples and subjected 14 of them to electrical stimulation from a PV cell. The other 12 served as a control (or baseline) and were cared for in the same way the stimulated plants were.
At the end of four weeks, the experimental group averaged 10-1/2 inches in height, while the control group averaged only 5-1/2 inches . . . demonstrating that stimulated plants grew almost twice as rapidly as "normal" ones!
Other tests have shown that through photovoltaic treatment a plant can be pushed to an early bloom. One course of investigation even subjected sickly greenery to root stimulation. The result of such solar "shock therapy" was a marked improvement in the condition of the specimens!
TRY IT OUT
If this sounds too good to be true, you don't have to take my word for it. Why not try it yourself? Although I can't guarantee startling results for you—there's just not enough known at this time—I will promise that you'll have a good time with your experiment.
First, you'll need to obtain a photovoltaic cell suitable for the test. Although you could assemble your own solar generator from readily available parts, I recommend that you purchase a Sun Stik from Silicon Sensors, Inc., Dept. TMEN, Highway 18 East, Dodgeville, Wisconsin 53533. One Sun Stik costs $7.50 (plus $1.50 shipping and handling), which is about half of what it would cost to make your own. [EDITOR'S NOTE: Resourceful readers who have access to surplus cells may be able to beat Silicon Sensors' price . . . simply attach electrodes to the two leads on the photovoltaic disk. If you do decide to build your own, make sure that the silicon cell is completely protected from moisture.]
For the most accurate results, you should begin your experiment with two identical plants. Set them in separate pots, and push the metal rods of the Sun Stik into the soil of one of them. Place the two competitors in an indoor location where they'll receive about the same light, and water and care for them equally. After around 30 days you should notice an amazing difference between them: The solar-powered plant ought to be larger and have more foliage.
THE CATCH
