Self-sustaining miracle: 50 years of life in a sealed bottle
Have you ever wondered how long a plant can survive without watering? The answer might be surprising. The ecosystem created by David Latimer has been functioning without a drop of water since 1972, and the plant is still thriving. The secret to this phenomenon is quite simple.
David Latimer, a British experimenter, decided years ago to create a self-sustaining miniature ecosystem. In this enclosed environment, the only energy provided is solar energy. This enables the exchange of matter within the ecosystem.
To create this extraordinary micro-world, Latimer used a 55-litre glass bottle. He put soil in it, added fertiliser, and then planted a spiderwort, topping it off with a little water. Since the last watering of the bottle in 1972, the ecosystem has been tightly sealed, allowing life within it to continue uninterrupted for decades.
The water in the bottle functions in a closed loop—it evaporates, condenses, and returns to the soil. The plant absorbs nutrients from the soil, which, thanks to the process of nutrient cycling, are reused by the system. Bacteria present in the soil also assist in this process. The only external driving force of this system is sunlight.
The effect exceeded expectations
Latimer claims that his initiative was not an attempt to set a record; it stemmed from pure curiosity. Since his retirement, the bottle has found its permanent place under the stairs, about two metres from a window, where it has access to light. The bottle is occasionally rotated to ensure the plant receives equal amounts of light.
Latimer realises that his spiderwort will probably live longer than he will. After his passing, the project is to be entrusted to his children, and if they cannot take care of it, the bottle will be donated to the Royal Botanic Society.
