Effect of Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field on Water Absorption and Early Growth of Corn Seed (Part 1)

Water Absorption Characteristics of Corn Seed During Soaking

Abstract

Corn seeds were exposed to a combined magnetic field composed of an extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field and a static magnetic field during the seed soaking in water before germination. The effect of this exposure on the water absorption characteristics of corn seeds was examined. As a result, there was no significant difference in the water absorption rate at any water temperature between the exposed seeds and control seeds (geomagnetic field). The measured data in the control were fitted to the exact solution for the infinite plane sheet diffusion model. The values determined for the diffusion coefficients were 3.0×10^-9-1.1×10^-8m²⋅s^-1. An Arrheniustype equation was used to relate the diffusion coefficient to temperature, and the energy of activation was estimated. The value determined was 43.4kJ⋅mol^-1. Since there were no significant differences in the coefficient of water absorption rate and activitation energy between the exposed and control, exposure to magnetic field had no definite effect on the water absorption of corn seeds.