Solar panels often take up a lot of real estate that is also optimal for growing crops (flat land with access to lots of sunlight). Instead of having panels compete with plants, there is a growing field called agrivoltaics that studies how solar power and agriculture can exist … [Read more...] about This crop actually benefits from being shaded by solar panels
agriculture
Pocket gophers: the only other mammal that farms
Farming has been an integral part of the long story of the development of human society. Some mark the beginning of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent in 8500 BC as the start of human civilization. It’s with this in mind that we think of farming as an entirely human job, but … [Read more...] about Pocket gophers: the only other mammal that farms
New Zealand plans to charge cattle burps to cut emissions
Cow and sheep burps are huge emitters of methane — which is over 80 times more efficient than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere. But while livestock is the main contributor to the agriculture sector’s emissions, they are often excluded from emissions trading plans. Soon, … [Read more...] about New Zealand plans to charge cattle burps to cut emissions
Lunar agriculture: first plants grown in soil from the Moon
Popular science fiction has depicted the colonization and even the rowing of crops on Mars many times. From the books of Isaac Asimov to The Martian, the Red Planet has pervaded artistic minds as the next place for humans to call home. But what about the closest place to … [Read more...] about Lunar agriculture: first plants grown in soil from the Moon
Food forests and regenerative agriculture
Feeding an urban population in ever-growing cities around the world is a big challenge. The growth of these concrete jungles can lead to food deserts: areas of urban land that have insufficient access to grocery stores. Supermarkets in some urban areas can’t meet the needs of a … [Read more...] about Food forests and regenerative agriculture