Enhancement of Nitrogen Fixation in Soil Using Corona Discharge

We have demonstrated by the experiments that treatment with electrical discharge can replenish the nitrogen content in the soil. In the present experiment, we study the possibility of minimising the duration of plasma treatment and optimising the energy efficiency of the process. We have observed that in our untreated soil, the present nitrogen content is $\sim$ 500 ppm. After plasma treatment durations of 30 seconds, 2 minutes and 5 minutes, nitrogen is enhanced to 600, 800 and 1300 ppm. However, within 30 seconds of plasma treatment, we achieved an energy efficiency of 1.04 kJ/mole.While the minimum nitrogen present in the loamy soil is $\sim $ 200 ppm. Therefore, the obtained experimental results highlight the possibility that electrical discharge techniques offer a non-polluting, fossil fuel-independent and more flexible way to reduce dependency on chemical fertilisers.