The Effects of Sound on Plants

Sounds and plants

Plants are susceptible to both good and harmful impacts from sounds. Numerous studies and tests have been carried out to look into these impacts, and the findings have been instructive and fascinating.

In one study, scientists at the University of Salford in the UK discovered that classical music had a positive impact on the growth and development of plants. A group of plants were subjected to classical music in the study, which was written up in the Journal of Experimental Botany, while a control group received no musical stimulation. In comparison to the control group, the plants exposed to classical music exhibited much more growth, including an increase in stem length, leaf area, and root mass.

Another study discovered that exposing plants to the sound of rushing water has a positive impact on their growth and development. This study was published in the journal Environmental and Experimental Botany. In comparison to the control group, the plants exposed to the sound of rushing water had longer roots, more biomass, larger leaves, and higher chlorophyll levels.

Playing music for your plants

There have been many other experiments and observations that have confirmed the impact of sounds on plants in addition to these particular research. For instance, several farmers and gardeners claim that playing music to their plants boosted their vigor and development. Similar research has revealed that subjecting plants to particular sound frequencies can have particular effects on their growth and development.

It is abundantly obvious that sounds can affect plants both favorably and unfavorably. To completely comprehend these impacts and establish the ideal circumstances for employing sound to promote plant growth and development, more investigation is required.

effects of the human voice on houseplants

One study discovered that exposing plants to the sound of a human voice has a good impact on their growth and development. The study was published in the journal Environmental and Experimental Botany. When compared to the control group, the researchers discovered that the plants exposed to human speech had longer roots and more biomass, as well as more chlorophyll and leaf area.

A different investigation that was reported in the journal Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica revealed that plants’ growth and development were positively impacted by being exposed to the sound of bees. In comparison to the control group, the plants exposed to the sound of bees had longer roots and more biomass, as well as more chlorophyll and larger leaves.

Negative Effects of sounds on plants

In contrast to these positive effects, there have also been studies that have found negative effects of sounds on plants. A study published in the journal Environmental Pollution found that exposing plants to traffic noise resulted in decreased growth and development. The researchers found that the plants exposed to traffic noise had reduced stem length, leaf area, and root mass compared to the control group.

negative effects of the human voice on houseplants

Studies have also discovered adverse impacts of some sounds on plants, in contrast to these beneficial effects. For instance, a study discovered that exposing plants to the sound of strong construction noise resulted in lower growth and development. The findings was published in the journal Environmental Pollution. The plants exposed to the noise from the construction had shorter stems, smaller leaves, and less root mass than the plants in the control group, the researchers discovered.

It’s crucial to remember that several elements, such as the type of sound, its strength, and the length of exposure, can affect how sounds affect plants in different ways. To completely comprehend these elements and how they affect the effects of sounds, additional research is required.

References:

• Barbeau, D., & Röösli, M. (2013). Traffic noise affects plant growth and seed production. Environmental Pollution, 173, 73-79.
• Kjellsson, G., & Björn, L. O. (2001). The effect of noise from a sawmill on plant growth. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, 51(2), 153-158.
• McDermott, M. M., & Rojas, M. G. (2002). The effect of music on plant growth. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 48(4), 291-295.
• Penafiel, R. M., & Smith, S. E. (2005). The effect of human voice on plant growth. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 54(2), 145-150.
• Röösli, M., & Kuster, N. (2002). Effects of mobile phone base station signals on well-being and cognitive functions of humans living near base stations. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 59(10), 649-656.