Low-Temperature Plasma-Assisted Nitrogen Fixation for Corn Plant Growth and Development

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plasma Physics
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Nitrogen is essential for plant biomolecule synthesis but atmospheric nitrogen is not directly usable by plants.
• Natural nitrogen fixation is insufficient for global agricultural demands.
• Developing efficient nitrogen fixation methods is critical for sustainable agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of non-thermal atmospheric pressure nitrogen plasma for nitrogen fixation in water.
• To evaluate the impact of plasma-activated water, with and without metal ions (Mg, Al, Zn), on corn (Zea mays) seed germination and growth.
• To determine the potential of plasma technology for agricultural applications.

Main Methods:

• An AC-driven non-thermal atmospheric pressure nitrogen plasma jet was used to treat water.
• Metals (Mg, Al, Zn) were immersed in plasma-treated water to neutralize acidity and enhance ammonia production.
• Corn seeds were irrigated with plasma-treated water (with and without metal ions) and deionized water for comparison.

Main Results:

• Plasma-activated water significantly increased corn seed germination rates compared to deionized water.
• The presence of metal ions further enhanced nitrogen reduction to ammonia and improved germination and growth.
• Plants treated with plasma-activated water showed increased stem length, greener leaves, and higher chlorophyll and protein content.

Conclusions:

• Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma is an effective method for nitrogen fixation in water.
• Plasma-activated water, particularly with metal ions, promotes seed germination and plant growth in corn.
• Non-thermal plasma technology offers a promising approach for enhancing agricultural productivity and addressing nitrogen deficiency.