IIT Guwahati Researchers Develop Innovative Microfluidic System to Enhance Crop Yield

By siliconindia  |  Monday, 29 July 2024, 06:43:12 PM IST

IIT Guwahati Researchers Develop Innovative Microfluidic System to Enhance Crop Yield
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a groundbreaking microfluidic system designed to replicate soil-like conditions and boost crop yield. This cost-effective innovation, announced, aims to improve root growth and nutrient uptake in crops.
The new system provides a controlled environment to study how primary roots absorb nutrients, offering valuable insights into optimizing nutrient delivery. Traditional methods of studying root dynamics are often limited by the need for large containers and complex setups. The microfluidic approach overcomes these constraints by mimicking soil conditions on a smaller scale, allowing for precise analysis of nutrient flow and its effects on root development.
The research, which focused on the high-yield mustard variety Pusa Jai Kisan, demonstrated that an optimal nutrient flow rate enhances root length and nutrient uptake. However, excessive nutrient flow can stress the roots, leading to reduced growth. These findings underscore the importance of managed nutrient flow for promoting healthy plant growth.
Supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board and the Department of Science and Technology, the study was published in the journal Lab on a Chip. Pranab Kumar Mondal from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Guwahati emphasized the practical implications of their research. “Our study provides new insights into plant root dynamics using microfluidic devices, offering practical implications for agriculture”, Mondal said.

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