By Simon Craven, Bielsbeck Farm, East Yorkshire
Hello again, fellow farmers! If you’ve been following my journey into plasma-activated water (PAW) here on the blog, you know I’m all about practical innovations that make our fields healthier and our operations more sustainable. Today, I’m excited to dive into a fascinating video discussion from Firewater Ag featuring Travis Potter and the renowned Dr. Tom Dykstra. Titled “What Is Plasma & How Can It Help You Fertilise?” (watch the video here), this 45-minute chat is packed with insights that tie directly into our ADOPT grant trials at Bielsbeck. It’s like a masterclass in why PAW isn’t just hype—it’s grounded in science, from bug behavior to bio-electromagnetics.
Dr. Dykstra, with his PhD in entomology and nearly 30 years of experience (including 23 courses in the field!), runs an independent lab focused on insects, agriculture, and the unconventional world of bio-electromagnetics. As a consultant for Firewater Ag (not an employee—he’s there to “slap them in the face” with honest feedback when needed), he brings a no-nonsense perspective. Travis, Firewater’s own, hosts the conversation, and together they unpack plasma’s role in farming. Let’s break down the key takeaways, blending in reminders from our favorite PDFs on RONS (reactive oxygen and nitrogen species) for context.
Who Is Dr. Tom Dykstra? A Bug Whisperer with a Twist
Dr. Dykstra isn’t your typical lab coat type. His background spans identifying insects, delving into their biochemistry and physiology, and exploring how electromagnetic fields influence biology. He’s seen it all—from pests ravaging fields to the subtle ways plants defend themselves. Why talk to Travis? Because Firewater’s Plasma Activated Water tech intersects all three of his passions: entomology (fewer bugs through healthier plants), agriculture (better fertilisation), and bio-electromagnetics (plasma’s electric magic). As he puts it, it’s rare to find a client open to all that—and Firewater is.
This resonates with our trials: At Bielsbeck, Plasma Activated Water’s RONS are showing promise in warding off pathogens like Pythium without chemicals, aligning with Dykstra’s view that healthy plants naturally resist insects.
Plasma 101: The Fourth State of Matter and Nature’s Fertiliser
The core question: What is plasma? Dykstra explains it’s ionised gas—the fourth state of matter beyond solid, liquid, and gas. Think lightning, neon lights, or the sun’s corona. In farming, PAW uses controlled plasma to zap water, creating RONS like hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), nitrates, and nitric oxide (NO). These aren’t just random; they’re “biological messengers” (echoing our PDFs on RONS signaling).
How does it help fertilise? It mimics lightning’s natural nitrogen fixation—breaking atmospheric N₂ into plant-usable nitrates. Travis notes Firewater’s machines do this on-farm, slashing costs and emissions. Dykstra dives deeper: PAW energises water, making it more bioavailable, which boosts plant vigor and deters pests. Insects, he says, target weak plants; Plasma Activated Water strengthens them at a cellular level, reducing the need for pesticides.
- From Unlocking Plant Resilience: The Dynamic World of RONS Signaling: RONS act as dual-role signals—heroes at low levels (triggering defenses) but villains if unregulated (causing stress). PAW delivers controlled “oxidative eustress” for adaptation.
- The Dynamic Role of Plasma-Activated Water: PAW induces Ca²⁺ fluxes and hormone upregulation (like SA and JA), fortifying immunity.
- Unraveling the Plant’s Immune Symphony: RONS and phytohormones crosstalk for tailored defenses—SA for biotrophs, JA/ET for necrotrophs.
Bugs, BRIX, and Beyond: Teasing Future Topics
The chat teases deeper dives: Why does PAW supercharge legumes (which fix their own nitrogen) without harm? How do frequencies and electromagnetics play in? Dykstra hints at “brix and insects” (perhaps soil structure and pest control) and shocking water to infuse energy. It’s geeky but practical—think healthier roots, better NUE (nitrogen use efficiency), and resilient crops.
They touch on legacy: Travis emphasises affordable tech for farmers’ kids to inherit thriving land. A biblical nod—”feed my sheep”—adds inspiration, aligning with our “Divine Spark” section from last time.
Why This Matters for UK Farmers
In our ADOPT trials, Plasma’s Activated Water’s mimicking lightning is yielding real wins: 20-30% less synthetic N, healthier wheat and spuds via soil and foliar applications. Dykstra’s entomology angle? Fewer pests mean lower fungicide costs, tying into our profitability push.
Global context: Synthetic N contributes 2.6 gigatonnes CO₂-eq yearly; in the UK, field emissions hit 5 million tonnes. PAW’s on-site production could slash that by 80-90%.
Join the Conversation!
Exciting news: Travis Potter from FireWater Ag is hosting a Q&A on PAW—Wednesday, 4th March 2026, 1:00 PM at Clubley Land Agents, Pocklington Office. View the machine at Bielsbeck (YO43 4LD) from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM. Booking only—e-mail us to attend.
For more, check Firewater’s resources (like those PDFs) at the links provided.
Simon Craven blogs on sustainable ag innovations.
