I mentioned that Fessenden’s crop electrifier was basically a repeat of earlier experiments around 1900.
Found some of those experiments, reported in California Climate Review for 1891. The details verify that Fessenden was following the same method. The results were remarkable and consistent when this setup was used. Other researchers tried passing a current through the soil, with less definite success.
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A system of wires provided with points was stretched over the experimental field. These wires were supported by poles and fixed to ebony insulators. The poles were spaced 16 meters apart, and were connected by an iron wire. Over the frame wires were stretched at intervals of 1 meter. These wires carried a point at every meter. [Points were known to be effective radiators of charge.]
The result was a large crop, exceeding by nearly half the portions not submitted to electrification.
If we compare the results of the experiments made in Finland and Burgundy, we find that (1)The effect of the electricity produced by the Lemstrom method remains the same in the two localities, whence we are authorized to conclude that this effect is the same at all points of the globe; (2) when the sun is hot it is necessary to interrupt the electricity (at least at noon), for the combined influence of a scorching sun and electricity is injurious to vegetation.
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The sun effect agrees with Shepardson’s surmise that the plants are using electron transfer for the same purposes as photosynthesis. When both inputs are active, the plant tries to moderate the input.
Conifers use electron transfer more heavily because their needles are DESIGNED to be good electron absorbers, not good sun absorbers. Atmospheric charge is stronger and sunlight is weaker at higher latitudes, so conifers prefer higher latitudes.
Polistra's Mill 