Response of Plants and Soil Microorganisms to Extremely Low Frequency Electric Fields.
Abstract
Potential sublethal direct effects of an applied electric stress on microorganisms were evaluated employing a 14C-substrate uptake approach. The effects of the direct electrical components of the stress, i.e., the frequency, the current density, and the electric strength, were studied to note if any perturbations on the organic carbon uptake of microorganisms were related to these applied variables. No statistical variation was shown for the effects of an electric field on organic C uptake for either pure cultures of Citrobacter freundii or mixed populations of indigenous soil microorganisms. The effect of extremely low frequency (ELF) electric fields upon plant growth was studied in a controlled environment chamber using snap beans as the test species. It is concluded that whatever electrical effects may exist, they will probably be overshadowed in the field in an actual installation if the field strength is no more than the 0.07 volts/meter as proposed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA006994
Entities
People
- C. B. Tanner
- R. F. Harris
- W. R. Gardner
Organizations
- University of Wisconsin–Madison