New research has added fresh evidence to the growing body of studies exploring the relationship between sound and biological development—this time focusing on plants.
New Study Suggests Classical Music May Enhance Plant Growth – Research & Innovation
Titled Music for Plants? An Investigation into the Impact of Exposure to Acoustic Stimuli in Bok Choy Plants, the study examined how different types of music influence the growth of bok choy. Researchers compared plants exposed to classical music, rock music, and silence, while carefully controlling all other environmental variables.
To ensure reliable results, all plants were grown under identical conditions, including the same soil composition, light exposure, watering schedule, and temperature. Music exposure was the only factor that differed between the experimental groups.
The findings revealed a notable pattern. During the normal growth cycle, bok choy plants exposed to classical music developed more robustly, producing heavier and healthier growth than those exposed to either rock music or silence. Plants grown in silence performed better than those subjected to rock music, suggesting that not all sound stimuli have a neutral or beneficial effect.
Researchers propose that sound vibrations may influence plant physiology, potentially affecting nutrient absorption, cellular activity, or internal stress responses. Classical music, characterised by relatively stable and harmonious acoustic patterns, may provide a form of stimulation that supports growth. In contrast, the more aggressive frequencies and irregular dynamics associated with rock music could introduce stress, inhibiting development.
While the results are promising, the authors caution against drawing definitive conclusions at this stage. “Despite the promise around the use of classical music to help stimulate plant growth, further studies are undoubtedly still needed before any firm conclusions regarding the potential benefits of exposing plants to an acoustic stimulus can be drawn,” the study noted.
Nevertheless, interest in the subject continues to grow. Scientists and agricultural practitioners alike are increasingly curious about the potential role of acoustic stimuli in sustainable farming and plant cultivation. As research expands, sound—long associated with emotional and cognitive effects in humans—may yet prove to be a subtle but influential factor in plant development as well.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
