Here’s something you probably never thought you’d hear: the price of urine per 25 liters has risen from $1 to $6 since the start of the War in Ukraine. This is because there’s now a shortage of agricultural chemicals, and farmers and providers have turned to human urine as an … [Read more...] about Helping the environment and fertilizing crops by upcycling pee
Crops
How aspirin and crop resilience go hand in hand
Did you know that plants have been making aspirin for millions of years? And humans have been using it as far back as Neanderthal times for self-medication? The pain medication can be found in trees and sunflowers alike in an unprocessed form called salicylic acid, created in … [Read more...] about How aspirin and crop resilience go hand in hand
Artificial photosynthesis helps plants grow with no sunlight required
Plants use a special natural process called photosynthesis to grow, mature, flower, and produce fruit. Photosynthesis is the way in which plants absorb energy from sunlight and use it to make their own food out of carbon dioxide and water. For years, scientists have been … [Read more...] about Artificial photosynthesis helps plants grow with no sunlight required
Stressing out crops could be a good thing
Plants have feelings too. Although they are not conscious, plants release hormones in response to stimuli such as mechanical stimuli - like touch, wind, or rain - light, water, gravity, and nutrients. For example, when you run a knife down a rhubarb stalk, thousands of genes are … [Read more...] about Stressing out crops could be a good thing
Start a garden journal to promote the health of your personal ecosystem
Here at The Optimist Daily, we are big fans of brain-boosting hobbies that support your health. For instance, cultivating your own garden has a positive impact on your well-being and is good for the environment. Journaling is also a fantastic way to de-stress, reflect on your … [Read more...] about Start a garden journal to promote the health of your personal ecosystem