Sonic Bloom
Sonic Bloom is a growing technique popularized by Dan Carlson that combines playing of specific audio frequencies and applying a nutrient[/hormone] solution topically to plants. The frequencies have since been demonstrated in studies [1] to cause plants to open their stomata, increase Oxygen uptake, and increased levels of polyamines (PAs).
Sonic Bloom was mentioned among the electroculture "Plant Hacks" in Episode 9.
Audio
I've extracted the audio from this video and made it available here. If anyone can is aware of (or can generate) a higher-quality sample, please feel free or get in touch!
From the U.S. Patent 4,680,889 dated July 21, 1987:
"While the growth promoting material [the Sonic Bloom foliar spray] is present on the plant, the plant is subjected to sound waves of high frequency. The sound waves may be produced in any manner, for example, sound recordings or sound generating devices. The sound may be of a frequency of 4 to 6 kilohertz, preferably 4.7 to 5.3 kilohertz. The sound waves may be of a constant frequency; however, use of a variable frequency is preferred. "The volume of the sound waves in the present invention may be at least 115 decibels, preferably 115 to 120 decibels. The duration of sound treatment is at least 15 seconds, preferably about 30 seconds to 30 minutes."
Nutrient Recipe
Can be purchased from Dan Carlson's site, [2].
In the interest of self-sufficiency, I'd like to assemble our own recipe here:
via [3]:
The ingredients in the Sonic Bloom foliar spray are gibberellic acid, (a known plant hormone used since the 50's to increase fruit size, bloom size, and speed seed germination) some chelated minerals, seaweed extract, and Basic H detergent. From the U.S. patent:
"A process for treating plants comprising wetting the plant with a growth promoting aqueous solution comprising 0.1 to 200 plants per million gibberellin, one troy ounce per gallon chelated proteinacious material, 1/16 to 4 tablespoons per gallon seaweed extract, 0.04 to 1 liquid ounce per gallon lignite water. "
"The growth promoting chemicals used in the present invention may include gibberellin, preferably of the type A-3. The chemicals may be dissolved in water which preferably is free of detrimental chemicals such as cholorine and fluorine. The gibberellin may be present in the solution in an amount of between 0.1 to 200 parts per million by weight. The preferred level is 0.5 to 100 parts per million."
"The solution may include other materials which are beneficial to the plants. For example, derived proteinaceous materials such as amino acid chelated materials may be fed to the plants using the present process. Illustrative of such amino acid chelated materials are the Metalosates.RTM. trace minerals from Albion Laboratories. These chelated proteinaceous materials are growth promoting. The proteinaceous materials may be used at a level of 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons per quart, preferably 1 troy ounce per gallon."
"The growth promoting chemicals in the present invention may include seaweed extract. Illustrative of the sources of extract are seaweed of the types Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus and Fucus serratus. A detailed discussion of production and conventional use of such seaweed extract is found in "Seaweed in Agriculture and Horticulture," by W. A. Stephenson. Seaweed extract is commercially available under the designation Maxicrop.TM. seaweed extract. The seaweed extract may be used as an aqueous solution including 1/2 teaspoon to 4 tablespoons per gallon, preferably 1 tablespoon per gallon."
"The growth stimulating solution may include a detergent to facilitate uniform spreading of the solution on the plant, e.g. foliage. The detergent desirably is biodegradable. A commercially available suitable detergent is Basic H.RTM.. The detergent may be used at a level of 1/4 ounce per gallon. "
