Sound waves could be the key to faster soil restoration, according to a groundbreaking study from Flinders University in Australia. Published on Tuesday, the research reveals that exposing soil to specific sound frequencies can significantly enhance the growth of fungi, essential for healthy ecosystems.
Jake Robinson, a microbial ecologist at Flinders University and co-author of the study, emphasized the potential of eco-acoustics in environmental recovery. \"More than 75 percent of the world's soils are degraded, so we need to take radical steps to reverse the trend and start restoring biodiversity,\" Robinson stated in a media release.
The study involved burying regular tea bags to provide organic material for fungi growth. These were subjected to varying noise levels over two weeks. Results showed that soil exposed to high-pitched monotone sound waves at around 80 decibels for up to eight hours daily saw a nearly fivefold increase in spore cell biomass compared to soils exposed to ambient noise levels of 30 decibels.
Martin Breed, another co-author, highlighted the broader implications of the findings. \"In addition to paving the way for improved vegetation regrowth, the findings could also lead to the reintroduction of lost species,\" he noted.
This innovative approach opens new avenues for ecosystem restoration, food production, and composting, offering a natural method to enhance soil health and biodiversity on a global scale.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
