THE BLOOM
The bloom is a thin waxy layer, often bluish or whitish, which forms on the surface of the stems, leaves and fruits of certain plants, such as wheat, barley or rapeseed, when they are still green. This natural substance is mainly made up of lipids and plays a protective role against pathogens, dehydration and UV rays. This thin, waxy layer that covers the stems of wheat, barley and rapeseed provides essential protection to plants by preventing water loss and serving as a barrier against disease and ultraviolet rays. However, this layer is extremely delicate and easily disappears when touched or rubbed.
We can see that the bloom is intact absolutely everywhere on the stems - Crop circle Honey Street 2004
We can see that the bloom is intact absolutely everywhere on the stems - Crop circle Alton Barnes 2004
When creating crop circles using boards, the bloom on the stems of these crops is often disrupted. The slightest touch, whether from another stem or an object like a board, is enough to remove this waxy layer, leaving the stem bare and vulnerable. This is why, in authentic or supposed crop circles, we often observe notable differences in the condition of the stems. In cases where boards or rollers are used to flatten plants, the stems show friction marks and disappearance of bloom, which can serve as a clue to identify the methods used.
Crop circle from 2007 at Burham in wheat. The bloom is gone on all the stems and shoe grooves are visible - William was among the first people to visit this crop circle, after the counterfeiters.
Crop circle from 2010 at Stonehenge in rapeseed which we have clearly identified as having been made by forgers - The bloom is gone and many scratches are visible.
The Fragility of Bloom
The bloom is so fragile that it can be removed simply by rubbing the stems together or by contact with human tools. When a board is used to create a pattern in a field, it exerts mechanical pressure that removes this waxy layer, exposing the tender green surface of the stems. This phenomenon is very often visible in crop circles since they are almost all made by counterfeiters equipped with boards. Only a few rare crop circles have not shown these traces.
Crop Circles and Disappearance of Bloom
In crop circle analysis, the presence or absence of blooms on flattened stems can provide clues to the method used to create them. Mysterious crop circles, which some speculate could be created by unidentified forces, often show stems flattened to the ground without friction marks and with the bloom intact. In contrast, those created by humans with planks typically feature stems with the bloom removed, revealing physical manipulation.
Thus in the context of crop circles, the state of the bloom can serve as a silent witness, revealing the methods used to flatten the stems and hinting at the mystery or artifice behind these formations.
AFTER THE BLOOM, THE WHITE LINES
This is how to identify a mechanically made, hoaxed crop circle made with a board. The sharp angular leading edge of the board used to flatten the crop leaves tell-tale rows of damage marks, white lines and creases, across several stems.
While some people advise you not to pay attention to the stems but rather to "feel the energy" to determine if a crop circle is authentic, implying that it was created by unknown forces, do exactly the opposite to check for yourself.
When the crop is still slightly green, you will quickly be able to spot small light lines on the stems. Sometimes it is necessary to search a little on the outskirts of the formation, where the trampling of visitors is less frequent.
2008 crop circle at East Field in the Pewsey Valley near Adam's Grave which we have clearly identified as having been made by forgers.
Notice the small lighter lines, even white, no doubt!
Crop circle from 2009 at Milk Hill in the Pewsey Valley near Adam's Grave which we have clearly identified as having been made by forgers - The second part of the crop circle arrived later in July and the first part presented the same features .
Notice the little lighter lines, no doubt !
AFTER THE WHITE LINES, THE FOLDS
If you were not able to go to the crop circle in June to observe the stems and the bloom, you can still identify the formations by looking for small white lines on the stems that are still a little green. However, if you arrive like the majority of tourists in July or August, it is no longer white lines that you should look for, but folds, because the stems will have dried.
These folds are easy to spot provided you look for them in non-trampled areas, often located on the outskirts of the crop circle. Also remember to lift the mats of flattened stems to access what is hidden underneath. This method will allow you to check if the crop circle you are exploring has the typical characteristics of hand-made formations.
Crop circle East Field 2010 Look for the folds, there are about 12 present in this image! The answer is below.
Here they are ! There is no possible doubt that this crop circle was made with boards or the like!
There you go! In a few minutes, you have become an "expert" in identifying handmade crop circles! No need for complex analyzes or a diploma!
However, if you do not find such traces in wheat, the adventure has only just begun. Take photos and archive the data, they might be useful to you one day if you decide to explore the subject further.