Electroculture
Electroculture, mentioned in Episode 8, comprises many different approaches and methodologies to encourage above-average plant growth. Many involve the use of one or more of magnetic, electric, audio fields.
This primer is really the best place to start, it's quite inclusive.
Electrical
DC
There are some reports of increased germination and/or growth during/after exposure to slight (+6v, +12v) DC fields.
I am putting this to the test.
Seed Pre-treatment
I've also seen suggestions that electricity should be applied to the seeds before planting. This Indian study involving pre-treating seeds with 240v AC(!), then 27v DC - improving germination, drastically increasing growth.
Magnetic
- See the research of Ching-Jen Chen.
I haven't explored these, but they seem promising. This may be part of what's involved with the Pyramids.
Audio
As a musician, I attacked this first: see Sonic Bloom. However, as I've noted in that article, I'm no longer terribly confident in its efficacy.
References
- Iowa State's study on effects of electrical fields on seed germination
- Great primer, mentioned above, very inclusive
- Collection of Electroculture research (just some PDF!)
- Indian study involving pre-treating seeds with 240v AC(!), then 27v DC - improving germination, drastically increasing growth
- Electricity May Play Role in Plant Growth 1985 NY Times