The effect of magnetic water on macadamia plants' physiology and phenological characteristics

Abstract

The biggest obstacle in the macadamia industry is both slow germination and growth rates. Several research studies have been conducted on magnetized water and its effect on plant growth. Magnetizing water can increase the number of hydrogen bonds by 0.34% leading to increased nutrient uptake in plants. The induction of biochemical changes within a plant species and the stimulation of several growth-related reactions have been known to be triggered by Magnetic fields. Two separate studies had been conducted during 2016 to 2018 at the North-West University in Potchefstroom (greenhouse trial 1); and at Red Sun Hortitech in Tzaneen region of Limpopo, South Africa (nursery trial 2). The aim was to investigate the influence of magnetic water on Macadamia plants’ physiology and phenological characteristics. It was hypothesized that magnetized water would increase the germination and growth rates of macadamias during propagation as well as improve overall plant vitality. Macadamia integrifolia seeds were propagated under standard macadamia nursery conditions during which germination and growth rates were measured. The plants were irrigated with magnetized water induced by the Imploder (a magnetic treatment device manufactured by Fractal Water). The photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll levels of the plants were measured in vivo during different growth stages. Analysis of the soil, water and nutrient status were also made after growth measurements were taken monthly. The results indicated that irrigation with magnetized water culminated a positive (P=<0.001) effect on seed germination with a higher success rate as compared to the control. In addition, magnetic water treatment improves plant growth (P=<0.001), root systems (P=<0.001) and leads to an earlier grafting age (P=<0.001). It also significantly (P=<0.001) increased the chlorophyll content levels of the plants. The overall plant vitality and photosynthetic activity of macadamias was improved (P=<0.001) with magnetized water which led to a more successful propagation. Magnetized water influences the ion charges in the soil to improve overall soil quality as it had a better water retainability with increased nutrient levels. Magnetic water treatment also decreased the total amount of nutrients that leached out of the planting bags during irrigation.