Understanding Voltage Differences in Trees
Author Information
Author(s): Christopher J. Love, Shuguang Zhang, Andreas Mershin
Primary Institution: Center for Biomedical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Hypothesis
The sustained voltage difference between tree xylem and soil is mainly due to a difference in pH.
Conclusion
The study found that the voltage difference between the xylem of a Ficus benjamina tree and its soil is primarily related to pH differences rather than other factors like sap flow.
Supporting Evidence
- The voltage difference was measured to be between 50 and 200 mV.
- No correlation was found between voltage and factors like time of day or sap flow.
- A clear relationship was observed between voltage and pH difference.
Takeaway
Trees can create electricity, and this study shows that the difference in acidity between the tree and the soil is what makes this happen.
Methodology
The researchers measured voltage differences using platinum electrodes in a controlled environment, eliminating external noise and other potential voltage sources.
Limitations
The study was limited to a single species of tree and specific pH conditions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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