Plasma Technology in Smart Farms

Plasma Technology in Smart Farms

Distinguished conference attendees, good morning. Today, I am here to present on the topic of "Utilizing Plasma Technology in Smart Farms."

In recent years, the agricultural sector has been actively adopting smart farm technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency. Among these technologies, plasma technology is gaining significant attention for its revolutionary potential in various applications, including seed germination promotion, seedling growth enhancement, pest and disease control, nutrient supply, and fertilizer efficiency improvement.

1. Introduction to Plasma Technology

Plasma, often referred to as the fourth state of matter, is an ionized gas composed of ions, electrons, and neutral particles. It possesses unique characteristics such as sterilization, surface modification, and generation of reactive species, making it highly applicable in agriculture. In the context of smart farms, low-temperature plasma is primarily utilized due to its ability to be generated at atmospheric pressure and applied to crops without causing heat damage.

• Plasma generation methods: Low-temperature plasma can be generated through various methods, including dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), corona discharge, and arc discharge. DBD is the most commonly used method in smart farms, as it allows for stable plasma generation and control by placing a dielectric barrier between electrodes.
• Characteristics of plasma: Plasma contains high-energy electrons, ions, and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which contribute to its diverse effects, including sterilization, surface modification, and chemical reaction acceleration.

2. Applications of Plasma Technology in Smart Farms

2.1 Seed Germination and Seedling Growth Promotion

Plasma enhances seed germination rates and promotes seedling growth by sterilizing and modifying the seed surface.

• Seed germination promotion:
• Seedling growth promotion:

2.2 Nutrient Supply and Fertilizer Application

Plasma can generate nitrogen fertilizer by fixing atmospheric nitrogen or produce reactive species by reacting with water to supply nutrients essential for plant growth.

• Plasma liquid fertilizer:
• Plasma activated water:

3. Recent Research Trends

Research on applying plasma technology in smart farms is actively underway worldwide, with notable research findings being published recently.

• Increased strawberry yield and quality using plasma: The National Institute of Agricultural Sciences in South Korea confirmed increased yield and improved quality in strawberry cultivation using plasma activated water (October 26, 2024, press release by the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences). Plasma activated water promoted strawberry growth and increased sugar content and firmness. Additionally, it improved the shelf life of strawberries, extending their distribution period.
• Development of eco-friendly smart farm systems using plasma: The Korea Fusion Energy Research Institute successfully developed a system that utilizes plasma to supply carbon dioxide necessary for plant growth and convert atmospheric nitrogen into fertilizer (December 19, 2024, Energy News). This system uses plasma to combust fuel, achieving faster reaction rates compared to conventional combustion and inducing complete combustion, thereby minimizing harmful gas emissions. It also eliminates the need for additional purification facilities, making it both economical and environmentally friendly for carbon fertilization.
• Improved storage life of agricultural products using plasma: Plasma technology can also be used to improve the storage life of agricultural products. Plasma sterilizes the surface of agricultural products, suppressing ethylene gas production and preventing spoilage, thus maintaining freshness.
• Pest and disease control using plasma: Plasma can effectively eliminate pathogens, pests, and weeds that harm crops. Reactive species generated by plasma destroy the cell walls of pathogens and disrupt the nervous systems of pests, resulting in insecticidal effects. Plasma can also inhibit weed growth, making it an eco-friendly alternative to herbicides.

4. Conclusion

Plasma technology is expected to play a crucial role in achieving increased productivity, improved quality, and environmentally friendly agriculture in smart farms. Further research and development are anticipated to expand the applications of plasma technology and contribute to the advancement of smart farm innovation.

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