Apparatus and methods are provided for introducing an
alkane to a
plant in order to stimulate the
plant's growth. Any type of
plant may be treated, including potted plants, shrubs, trees, lawns,
agricultural crops and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the
alkane comprises
butane, but other compounds can be used, including
methane, ethane and
propane. The
alkane may be combined with water or another liquid carrier, or
plant growth-enhancing additives such as nutrients, insecticides and alkane-utilizing
bacteria. To induce aerobic conditions,
oxygen-containing gas such as air may be introduced along with the alkane or separately from the alkane. The introduction of alkane may enhance
plant growth by increasing the indigenous microbial populations in soil, e.g.
bacteria, fungi, protists, and prokaryotes, which may provide benefits such as increased
nutrient uptake, faster root development, and reduced heat, drought and
cold stress, resulting in enhanced
plant growth.