Research Article
Vol. 15, No. 3, 2025, p. 305-318
Effect of Magnetic Field on Seeds of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Modeling
and Optimization by Response Surface Methodology
M. Rafiei
1
, F. Khoshnam
1
, M. Namjoo
1*
1- Department of Mechanical Engineering of Biosystems, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran
(*- Corresponding Authors Email:
[email protected])
How to cite this article:
Rafiei, M., Khoshnam, F., & Namjoo, M. (2025). Effect of Magnetic Field on Seeds of
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): Modeling and Optimization by Response Surface
Methodology. Journal of Agricultural Machinery, 15(3), 305-318.
https://doi.org/10.22067/jam.2024.88417.1256
Received: 10 June 2024
Revised: 05 July 2024
Accepted: 11 July 2024
Available Online: 31 May 2025
Abstract
In the current study, the modeling and optimization of various seedling growth and germination indices for
parsley seeds were investigated. A lab-scale quadrupole magnetic field was developed, and experiments were
conducted using a completely randomized factorial design with three replications. The factors considered were
magnetic field intensity (150, 300, and 450 mT), exposure time (30, 60, and 90 minutes), and culture time (0, 7,
and 14 days after applying the magnetic field). The results revealed that the magnetic field significantly affected
shoot length, fresh root weight, and fresh shoot weight, while exposure time significantly impacted root length.
Sowing day also significantly influenced root length and fresh root weight, along with other factors. Immediate
sowings after magnetic field application enhanced root length, while sowing 14 days following the exposure
increased shoot length, fresh root weight, and fresh shoot weight. A 30-minute exposure to magnetic field
intensities of 150 to 300 mT did not significantly affect seedling growth parameters. However, higher field
strengths of 450 mT for 60 to 90 minutes proved beneficial, leading to enhanced shoot length, fresh root weight,
fresh shoot weight, germination rate, germination percentage, and reduced mean germination time. The analysis
and optimization using Response Surface Methodology revealed that the optimal magnetization condition, with a
desirability of 0.682, was achieved at a magnetic field of 450 mT, an exposure time of 60 minutes, and sown 14
days post-exposure. Higher magnetic fields appeared to enhance field durability and significantly impact
seedling growth indices.
Keywords: Germination Magnetic field Modeling, Parsley, Stability
Introduction
1
Parsley seeds (Petroselinum crispum), a
globally cultivated herb, present a challenge
for growers among the myriad of vegetable
crop seedlings in commercial nurseries.
Growers in the southeastern United States
have encountered obstacles in cultivating
©2025 The author(s). This is an open
access article distributed under Creative
Commons Attribution 4.0 International
License (CC BY 4.0).
https://doi.org/10.22067/jam.2024.88417.1256
parsley under both greenhouse and field
conditions, citing issues with poor germination
and inconsistent seedling emergence (da Silva,
de Barros, Foshee, Candian, & Diaz-Perez,
2022).
Magnetic treatments enhance seed vigor by
influencing biochemical processes, thereby
stimulating protein and enzyme activity.
Additionally, some studies have reported that
magnetic fields positively affect the number of
flowers and yield, nutrient and water uptake,
and increase seed germination and plant
growth, demonstrating the benefits of stronger
iD iD
Journal of Agricultural Machinery
Homepage: https://jame.um.ac.ir