Sonic Bloom

The Story of Sonic Bloom and its history. You can watch several Sonic Bloom videos and order products directly from the inventor, Dan Carlson. Dan uses a combination of sound and foliar spray in his Sonic Bloom invention. However, the sound is the primary component, as he himself admits in some of his videos. Dan uses a sound frequency of 4 to 5 kilohertz, which is about where the majority of morning birds sing. Dan also uses variable frequencies in his invention which is what birds do in their short, chirpy bursts. From the U.S. Patent 4,680,889 dated July 21, 1987:

"While the growth promoting material [the Sonic Bloom foliar spray] is present on the plant, the plant is subjected to sound waves of high frequency. The sound waves may be produced in any manner, for example, sound recordings or sound generating devices. The sound may be of a frequency of 4 to 6 kilohertz, preferably 4.7 to 5.3 kilohertz. The sound waves may be of a constant frequency; however, use of a variable frequency is preferred. "The volume of the sound waves in the present invention may be at least 115 decibels, preferably 115 to 120 decibels. The duration of sound treatment is at least 15 seconds, preferably about 30 seconds to 30 minutes."

Music and plants. A quick search on the net about plants and music will quickly turn up a myriad of articles all pretty much espousing the same thing: plants shrivel and die if exposed to non-stop Rap or Heavy Metal, but blossom and bloom when exposed to Bach, Scarlatti, Vivaldi, and classical Indian Sitar music....Plants do seem to grow better with music than without, the current thinking being that sound tends to excite plant tissue on a molecular level which causes the plant to regenerate and grow bigger roots and leaves which aids in nutrient and photosynthetic absorption, etc. But apparently only to a point. Loud sonic vibration can permanently damage cell membranes.

Grape Expectations: Vines May Love Vivaldi. While sound has long been thought to influence plant growth, this is the first time anyone has investigated the effects of music outdoors on Sangiovese vines, which are best known for producing grapes that go into Tuscany's famous Chiantis. The effect of sound on plants apparently depends on frequency, intensity and exposure time. In 2001, Chinese researchers found that low-frequency sound...activates enzymes, increases cell-membrane fluidity and promotes DNA replication and cell cycling. The owner powers the sound on his 24-acre estate with a 20-Gb iPod in a wooden shed which is tied to 15 large speakers.

Biochemical and physiological changes to vegetables using sound. The effects of two different sonic exposures on two vegetables, namely Chinese cabbage and cucumber at two growth stages, including seedlings and mature plants were investigated. Both sonic exposures caused significant elevations in the level of polyamines (PAs) and increased uptake of oxygen O2 in comparison with the controls.

Foliar spray ingredients. The ingredients in the Sonic Bloom foliar spray are gibberellic acid, (a known plant hormone used since the 50's to increase fruit size, bloom size, and speed seed germination) some chelated minerals, seaweed extract, and Basic H detergent. From the U.S. patent:

"A process for treating plants comprising wetting the plant with a growth promoting aqueous solution comprising 0.1 to 200 plants per million gibberellin, one troy ounce per gallon chelated proteinacious material, 1/16 to 4 tablespoons per gallon seaweed extract, 0.04 to 1 liquid ounce per gallon lignite water. "

"The growth promoting chemicals used in the present invention may include gibberellin, preferably of the type A-3. The chemicals may be dissolved in water which preferably is free of detrimental chemicals such as cholorine and fluorine. The gibberellin may be present in the solution in an amount of between 0.1 to 200 parts per million by weight. The preferred level is 0.5 to 100 parts per million."

"The solution may include other materials which are beneficial to the plants. For example, derived proteinaceous materials such as amino acid chelated materials may be fed to the plants using the present process. Illustrative of such amino acid chelated materials are the Metalosates.RTM. trace minerals from Albion Laboratories. These chelated proteinaceous materials are growth promoting. The proteinaceous materials may be used at a level of 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons per quart, preferably 1 troy ounce per gallon."

"The growth promoting chemicals in the present invention may include seaweed extract. Illustrative of the sources of extract are seaweed of the types Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus and Fucus serratus. A detailed discussion of production and conventional use of such seaweed extract is found in "Seaweed in Agriculture and Horticulture," by W. A. Stephenson. Seaweed extract is commercially available under the designation Maxicrop.TM. seaweed extract. The seaweed extract may be used as an aqueous solution including 1/2 teaspoon to 4 tablespoons per gallon, preferably 1 tablespoon per gallon."

"The growth stimulating solution may include a detergent to facilitate uniform spreading of the solution on the plant, e.g. foliage. The detergent desirably is biodegradable. A commercially available suitable detergent is Basic H.RTM.. The detergent may be used at a level of 1/4 ounce per gallon. "

Testimonials. An organic farm using Sonic Bloom. Sonic Bloom in Australia. Brave new waves. How it works from a user. Green Acres Variety article. Idea of using filtered sunlight, enhanced carbon dioxide, and nutrients together with Sonic Bloom. Long thread on a forum with various testimonials. Another Sonic Bloom aficionado testimonial. Vegetables pictures using Sonic Bloom. A business plan to produce bio-diesel fuel in Northeast Wyomin using Sonic Bloom. A small farm using Sonic Bloom.

Sample sounds. The raw dual-frequency version. Sample tune with "whistler" music to mask the raw sound.

Other notes. Birds sing 1-2 hours before sunrise which is when the sonics should be turned on. In nature plants are around natural sounds all day long. But these all day nature sounds are mellow, not like the crazy bird calls in early morning or after a rain storm.

Mostly mineral nutrients do not go through the stomates. Roots are well-designed for taking up minerals, but leaves aren't, although they can absorb a little. Leaves are good at absorbing light and CO2.

There is the problem of the water loss/carbon dioxide gain balance. Opening the stomates farther than normal may leave a lot of dry plants, at which point nutrients would not be necessary. Or maybe what we have here is a simple air humidity or irrigation effect, something well known to increase growth under many situations.