I2

Looking towards the future, I envision further development of my research on soil batteries, including a multifaceted approach. This includes understanding the bacterial composition of soils, analysing pH levels, and exploring the prototyping of different cell compositions/materials through digital fabrication techniques. Additionally, I aim to investigate the optimal materials for soil batteries and explore the creation of structures to contain them using waste materials. Understanding the limitations and opportunities of this low-technology is key, as is speculating on a future that prioritises respect and interconnectedness among all beings.

I intend to explore how soil batteries can contribute to creating ‘self-sufficient systems’ at different scales and contexts, enriching bacterial environments rather than depleting them. Experimentation with different soils, compost, and prototyping low-power alternatives will be integral to this exploration

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First test with a non isolated material. The cardboard egg container wasn't a great option. The light bulb didn't light up

First test with isolated recycled cups. Works but conductivity is not great. Wires should be upgraded to copper.

Testing with 15 cells, recycled plastic cups, and copper strips as wires.

For now, the cells had to travel in a shoe box.

We got a good voltage with the 16 cells. The current is very low, about 0,1mA.

Sketch of future ideas.

We can alter the ph of the soil and make the voltage and current higher with lemon. May kill the bacterias.

We can alter the ph of the soil and make the voltage and current higher with salt. May kill the bacterias.

We should try the same electric circuit but replacing the soil by compost. A few professionals have already advised us to try that.

Prototyping of a soil battery