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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 12 No. 4 (2025)

Magnetic fields in agriculture: Physiological mechanisms, stress mitigation, and future applications

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.7949
Submitted
26 February 2025
Published
31-10-2025 — Updated on 11-11-2025
Versions

Abstract

Magnetic fields (MFs) have emerged as a promising and eco-friendly approach for enhancing plant growth by modulating key physiological and biochemical processes, including ion transport, membrane permeability, enzymatic activity and stress responses. Research suggests that MF treatments can significantly improve seed germination, enhance seedling vigour and increase crop resilience to environmental stressors, such as drought, salinity and extreme temperatures. In addition, exposure to MFs has been reported to accelerate early seedling development, promote root elongation and stimulate photosynthetic efficiency, ultimately leading to increased plant biomass and yield. However, despite the increasing number of studies investigating the potential of MF applications in agriculture, inconsistencies in experimental protocols, exposure conditions and the underlying mechanisms of plant responses to MFs present significant challenges. The lack of standardized methodologies limits the broader adoption of MF technology in large-scale agricultural systems. Standardizing treatment parameters, identifying optimal exposure conditions and elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing plant responses to MFs are critical areas for future investigation. Furthermore, integrating MF technology into precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices could enhance crop productivity while reducing reliance on chemical inputs. By bridging theoretical insights with applied agricultural practices, MFs hold great potential as a novel tool for improving plant performance, stress resilience and overall agricultural sustainability in the face of global climate challenges. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the effects of MFs in plant biology, highlighting both the reported benefits and existing gaps in research.

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