Researchers at Linköping University in Sweden have developed a “bioelectronic soil” called eSoil. It consists of organic matter mixed with the conductive polymer PEDOT, which is used in sensors and OLED displays, writes Engadget.

The peculiarity of the development is that it can accelerate the growth of plants in hydroponic systems. This is a cultivation method in which plants grow without soil and need only water, nutrients, and a substrate to anchor their roots.

The researchers integrated eSoil into this structure and found that the electrical stimulation made the plants grow 50% faster on average. The scientists conducted this experiment with barley seedlings.

eSoil

“We found that the stimulated plants could process the nutrients more efficiently however we don’t understand how the stimulation is affecting this process,” said Eleni Stavrinidou, head of the study.

The reason behind the growth process will be the focus of future research. But it is already expected that eSoil will be able to offer solutions to create new ways to increase crop yields in commercial settings.

The technology can minimize the use of fertilizers in agriculture. Also, the introduction of eSoil on hydroponic farms can make them more energy efficient.