Use of Electromagnetic Fields as a Technological Alternative for the Production of Biomasa in Zea Mays L. Var Porva and Reduction of the Carbon Footprint of the Crop

Abstract

In recent years, the use of electromagnetic fields as an enhancer of biological processes in agriculture has emerged as an emerging technology. This is closely related to the carbon footprint, since plants in general and higher plants in particular, through the photosynthesis process, reduce the atmospheric carbon load, converting it into structural carbon of the plant itself. Thus, this research sought to evaluate the effect generated by induced electromagnetic fields (EMF) as a technology for biomass production, with the consequent reduction of the carbon footprint of the crop. Variables related to the germination process were analyzed, including germination percentage, aerial and root fresh mass (g), as well as aerial and root dry mass (g), and photosynthetic pigment contents (Chlorophylls A, B and Total). The aforementioned variables were determined at two points in time, except those related to germination. The above variables, evaluated at two points in time, allowed the calculation of physiological indicators related to CO2 use in the plant (Relative Growth Rate - RGR, Net Assimilation Rate - NAR, Leaf Area Index - FAI, Crop Growth Rate - CGR, Absolute Growth Rate - AGR, Leaf Area Duration - LAD and Specific Leaf Area - SFA). On the other hand, in order to characterize the production, the morphological characteristics of the ear and fruit (weight of the ear with amero, weight of the cassava, weight of the fruit and number of rows) were evaluated. Multiple range tests were carried out to establish the behavior of the variables in comparison with the control, for which SPSS software was used. In the previous experimental context, it was evidenced that the germination process was stimulated by the application of EMF at 70 µT, but at its highest exposure times (300' and Permanent for 15 days. Similar to the above, was presented in pigment synthesis, fresh and dry biomass, with exposure at 70 µT for 180', with its consequent reflection in the physiological indicators evaluated, differing in all cases from the control. On the other hand, in terms of cob composition, the statistical analyses reflect a better performance of all the variables analyzed for exposure to 118 µT by 300' and Permanent for 15 days, differing significantly in most of the variables evaluated.