Study on the Abiotic Factors and Soil-derived DNA for Eco-friendly Organic Cultivation

Carbon dioxide, light conditions, and appropriate temperature are three significant factors affecting plants' growth. This study confirmed that the content and type of DNA—the genetic material contained within the soil—is also an essential element that impacts plant growth.

It was thought that soil bacteria exist in the water that comes out through the soil. Suppose the bacteria are re-supplied to the soil. In that case, the soil bacteria increase, and the decomposition of organic matter is promoted, all of which will benefit plant growth.

The presented experiment indicates that the decomposition of organic matter by soil bacteria does not significantly contribute to plant growth. Based on the investigation, since the material present in the soil that is not decomposed during the sterilization process is DNA, a new hypothesis was established. We concluded that it would be the effect of DNA in soil—specifically, soil on which plants grow around the open field. After isolating soil-derived DNA using a kit, it was administered to sterilized soil. As a result, the growth of Chinese cabbage proceeded normally, and the content of soil bacteria also increased rapidly, resulting in the normal recovery of the circulation of organic substances, including nitrogen within the soil.