In the heart of Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia University’s Department of Biophysics and Radiobiology, lead author Margarita Kouzmanova and her team are unraveling a complex interplay between plants and the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that are becoming ubiquitous in modern agriculture. Their work, published in the journal *Applied Sciences* (translated from Bulgarian as “Applied Sciences”), sheds light on how smart agriculture technologies, while boosting farming efficiency, are altering the electromagnetic landscape of farmlands and interacting with crops in ways that are not yet fully understood.
Smart agriculture relies on a network of connected devices and sensors that communicate wirelessly, exchanging data over the internet. This technology has revolutionized farming, offering economic benefits and increased efficiency. However, it has also introduced unprecedented levels of EMF exposure to crops. “The combination of unnatural, polarized, coherent, and variable EM radiation determines the influence of EMFs on plants,” Kouzmanova explains. “Many studies have found effects at various levels of organization—molecular, organismal, and even ecosystem levels—but the underlying mechanisms are still not well understood.”
The research delves into the molecular level, exploring how EMFs interact with water molecules in living systems, affecting biologically significant molecules, membranes, ion channels, and ion transport. It also examines oxidative processes in cells and photosynthesis, providing a comprehensive look at how EMFs might influence plant growth and development.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this research is its potential impact on the energy sector. As smart agriculture technologies become more prevalent, understanding their effects on crops could lead to more efficient and sustainable farming practices. This, in turn, could influence energy consumption patterns in agriculture, a sector that is increasingly looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint.
Kouzmanova’s work also highlights the challenges in defining the conditions for beneficial or adverse effects and setting exposure limits. “We need to understand these mechanisms better to optimize the use of EMFs in agriculture,” she says. “This knowledge could help us harness the benefits of smart agriculture while minimizing any potential risks.”
The research opens up new avenues for exploration in the field of smart agriculture. As Kouzmanova and her team continue to unravel the complexities of plant-EMF interactions, their work could shape the future of farming, influencing everything from crop yields to energy consumption. In a world where technology and agriculture are increasingly intertwined, understanding these interactions has never been more important.