A spin‑out from the University of Bath has developed a device called Bactery. The battery uses soil bacteria to generate and store electricity so it can power sensors and other small Internet of Things devices in agricultural fields.
The team first proved the idea in 2019 when they tested a soil‑powered water disinfection prototype in Icapuí, a village in north‑east Brazil. That pilot showed soil electricity could run a water‑cleaning device.
The company says it can scale the system and that it avoids long cables, single‑use batteries and solar panels when those are not practical. One challenge is keeping the electrodes free of oxygen, so the design uses wet, root‑submerged conditions to help electron flow.
Difficult words
- bacteria — small living things you cannot see
- generate — make electricity or energy from a source
- store — keep electricity or energy for later use
- electrode — metal parts used to pass electric currentelectrodes
- oxygen — a gas in air that living things need
- scale — increase size or amount of a system
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you like a device that uses soil power on a farm? Why or why not?
- What problems does the company say Bactery avoids?
- How does the team keep electrodes working in the soil?
Related articles
Researchers Call for Clear Rules on Gene-Edited Crops in Mexico
Mexican researchers want rules that distinguish gene-edited crops from GMOs. They launched a petition asking the government for evidence-based regulation while warning a March decree banning genetically modified maize could also affect gene editing.
Indonesia tightens rules for digital platforms
Indonesia is increasing regulation of global digital platforms to curb misinformation and protect public safety. Officials inspected a major company's office, require platform registration, and use takedown systems, which has drawn criticism over unclear rules and rights.
