Effect of magnetic field on hydraulic conductivity and cation displacement in soil in the semi‐arid region of Brazil
Alícia Hélida dos Santos Batista, Osvaldo Nogueira de Sousa Neto, Andreza Maciel de Sousa, Nildo da Silva Dias, Plinio Antonio Guerra Filho, Marcos Vinicius da Silva, Ytalo Cleyton dos Santos Souza, Lara Fernandes de Medeiros, Alison Rocha de Aragão, Francisco Vanies da Silva Sá, Leonardo Angelo MendonçaAbstract
Population growth intensifies the production of waste from agricultural and industrial sources, among others, directly impacting soil and water resources. The use of techniques involving magnetic field applications has been investigated as a potential approach to improve soil–water interactions, although its effects are still not fully understood. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of applying magnetically treated water on the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil and the displacement of K + and Na + . Exploratory laboratory tests were conducted using percolation columns filled with saturated Latosol (Oxisol) soil. The methodology consisted of assembling percolation columns filled with saturated Latosol, washed with distilled water, and subjected to the application of saline solution with and without magnetic treatment. The magnetic treatment was performed by circulating the solution for 6 h in a 437 mT field. The solutions were applied under constant load to evaluate hydraulic conductivity and ion displacement. Effluent samples were collected and analyzed for K + , Na + , electrical conductivity, and pH. The results indicated a tendency toward increased leaching of potassium (K + ) and sodium (Na + ) ions in the columns receiving magnetically treated water. The elevation of K + increased from approximately 1.8 pore volumes under the influence of the magnetic field. These results should be considered preliminary, as they derive from exploratory experimental trials. Despite the observed trends, the mechanisms of magnetic treatment are still not well understood, and further studies are required before practical agricultural applications can be recommended.