Influence of Ozone Generated by Surface Barrier Discharge on Nematode and Plant Growth

Abstract

To apply plasma technologies for large-scaled and advanced agriculture, the indirect use of plasma is one of the possible ways to overcome the disadvantage of direct plasma application. The recent problems we face in agriculture are due to soil worm damages and residual chemicals that are used for the extermination of the soil worms or for the acceleration of plant growth. Here, we propose soil treatment using ozone, generated by a surface barrier discharge, performing the roles of both pesticides and fertilizers. To investigate the efficacy of ozone for the extermination of soil worms, this paper researched the influence of ozone on nematodes (C. elegans). Furthermore, to evaluate the effectiveness of ozone for plant growth, the growth of radishes planted in the ozone-treated ridge in an actual greenhouse was observed.