Introduction
Saffron is among the highest-value agricultural commodities by weight, and Herat is a historically significant production region. Prior reports suggest atmospheric electroculture can raise yields in several crops [1], though controlled evidence for saffron is scarce [2]. This trial tests whether a passive antenna-and-ground electroculture array increases corm yield under field conditions.
Materials and Methods
A randomised complete-block design was used across eight 4 m×4 m plots (four treated, four control) over four quarters. Treated plots received a vertical copper antenna grounded through a buried electrode, following the configuration of [1]. Corm yield was weighed at each quarterly harvest; soil moisture and temperature were logged continuously.
Results
Treated plots out-yielded controls in every quarter (Table 1), with a mean increase of 28%. The effect was largest in Q4 2026 (+98% relative to control) and smallest in Q3 [3]. No adverse effects on corm viability were observed.
Discussion
The magnitude of response is consistent with electroculture meta-analyses [1] but exceeds the modest effects reported for bulb crops [2]. Possible mechanisms include enhanced stomatal conductance and ion uptake. The single-season design limits causal inference; multi-season replication is required [4].
Conclusion
Passive atmospheric electroculture is associated with a substantial, statistically significant increase in saffron corm yield in this controlled Herat trial. Given the low capital cost, the intervention merits larger, multi-season evaluation.