Effects of magnetic field treatment of broad bean seeds and irrigation water on the growth and yield of plants

Abstract

Techniques for the magnetic treatment of water have become one of the most common practices for improving the agricultural sector. The effects of alternating magnetic field treatment of broad bean (Luz de Otoño) seeds and irrigation water on plant growth and yield were investigated under pot conditions. The magnetic treatments included (i) magnetically treated seeds (MTS), (ii) magnetically treated irrigation water (MTIW), and (iii) no magnetic treatment of both seeds and irrigation water, which were considered controls. Dry broad bean seeds were exposed to a magnetic field induced by an electromagnet at 165 mT for 2 and 4 min. Water for irrigation was exposed to a 165 mT magnetic field. The results showed that MTS for 2 min and MTIW led to significant increases in plant growth and yield of broad bean plants in comparison with the control plants, while MTS for 4 min and MTIW affected the most seedling attributes of the plants. It was found that the pods of MTS for 2 min and MTIW emerged 6 days earlier than those of the control plants, while the pods of MTS for 4 min and MTIW emerged 5 days after those of the control plants. The most affected parameter was the number of seeds, which increased by 21% for MTS for 2 min and MTIW compared with the control. These results suggest that MTS enhance the growth and yield of broad bean plants under pot conditions.