E-soil

• According to the study, in hydroponic environments, eSoil is a low-power bioelectronic growth substrate that can electrically stimulate the root system and growth environment of plants.
• This novel substrate is environmentally friendly, derived from cellulose and a conductive polymer called PEDOT, offers a low energy, safe alternative to previous methods that required high voltage and non-biodegradable materials.
• eSoil uses low energy and minimises resource consumption.
  • Its active material is an organic mixed-ionic electronic conductor.

ABOUT HYDROPONICS

• Hydroponic cultivation means that plants grow without soil, needing only water, nutrients and something their roots can attach to – a substrate.
• It is a closed system that enables water recirculation so that each seedling gets exactly the nutrients it needs.
• Therefore, very little water is required and all nutrients remain in the system, which is not possible in traditional cultivation.
• Hydroponics also enables vertical cultivation in large towers to maximise space efficiency.
• Crops already being cultivated in this manner include lettuce, herbs and some vegetables.