The rapid increase in the use of plasma to boost efficiency in agriculture holds potential for more innovative discoveries that could transform the food industry.

For all the popularity of plasma, first identified in 1879 by Sir William Crookes, scientists have yet to discover all the uses for this state of matter.

Although well known for uses in high-tech industries such as the semiconductor industry and its use as a booster for Covid-19 patients, plasma is also playing a crucial role in many other fields, such as agriculture.

The idea of incorporating plasma, often known as the “fourth state of matter,” into the modern world seemed to be the key that unlocked a variety of new industrial inventions that shaped society into what it is today. 

Plasma farming, as the name implies, is the process of using non-thermal plasma in farming to aid in the quick growth of plants without requiring as much water and chemical fertilizer. 

Non-thermal plasma, abbreviated as NTP, has a mean electron energy that is slightly higher than those of ambient gases—gases in its natural state. 

When generating NTP, a large portion of the used electric energy does not go into heating gas, but instead into producing matter (Attri). 

This energy is directed to the ionization, the process where an atom loses or gains electrons, of background gas to produce many NTP species such as negative ions, photons, and electrically neutral gas molecules. 

These species can rapidly decompose inorganic and organic compounds, therefore acting as very strong oxidizers (Nijboer). 

Therefore, plants that are sufficiently exposed to non-thermal plasma can demonstrate increased seed germination, sprouting lengths, activation of photosynthesis, resistance to multiple issues, and more. 

However, a high dose of plasma may stunt the plant rather than improving it (Ornes). 

Thus, NTP should be given in appropriate quantities to the plant.

The implementation of NTP in farming has showcased great progress in the food industry.

So why is NTP so crucial in agriculture? As stated previously, incorporating NTP in agriculture can promote efficient and healthy plant growth, producing more abundant, healthier crops compared to those cultivated without plasma (Nijboer). 

With less water and energy required to grow plants exposed to NTP, key resources can be saved to maximize crop production. 

Furthermore, NTP-exposed crops are proven to retain their freshness and nutritional values much better and for longer than normal food products (Sonawane). 

This not only allows food to maintain optimum condition for a longer duration of time but also provides consumers with a much larger variety of fresh produce.

Plasma: the commonly forgotten state of matter. Neither a liquid, gas, nor a solid, plasma has fascinated the world for many years. 

With new found discoveries, many believe in its potential to contribute to an extremely futuristic, ideal society that people of the past could only daydream about. 

Onwards, more people, hopefully, will remember this fourth state of matter—plasma—and the significant role it plays in agriculture.

Seohyun Lee

Grade 10

Singapore American School