Galvanic Janus paper: A sustainable electrochemical approach for enhanced crop germination and growth

Abstract

New farming methods are needed to boost crop productivity in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. One promising solution is the use of electrical stimulation, known as electroculture, to enhance plant growth. However, traditional approaches to electroculture often require additional complex electrical equipment, which can increase costs and implementation challenges. We present a simple yet innovative approach to enhance agricultural productivity using a Galvanic Janus Paper, which exploits the natural electrochemical processes between Zn and Cu layers on a paper substrate. When integrated into soil, this material significantly improves seed germination, cotyledon area, and plant height by generating a galvanic voltage that facilitates ion movement and serves as a growth stimulant. In lettuce (Lactuca sativa), the use of a single Galvanic Janus Paper without fertilizer improved germination potential by 26 % and increased leaf area to 64 mm², compared to 50 mm² in the control. Similarly, in pak choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis), germination potential exceeded 25 % by the fourth day, and leaf area increased to 40 mm² under the most effective treatment. This method offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative for boosting crop yields without the need for external power sources or complex systems, making it a promising solution for large-scale agricultural applications.