#Green technology in agriculture

[bettreworld]

Building an experimental Geothermal (High Tunnel) Greenhouse at Veganic ...

[rebeccathenaturalist]

I really hope they can work the bugs out of this solution, because if it's done right, it'll really be a win-win situation. Less evaporation of water, and solar power being generated every day? Yes, please. We are smart, resourceful beings, and this is far from the most difficult problem we've had to address.

This is also a great example of how we can go back and fix mistakes of the past. We very, very rarely ever come up with technological solutions that take long-term effects on the environment into consideration, and so the way many things are designed often leads to some sort of damage, whether through manufacture, use, disposal, or all of the above. Retrofitting canals (which have been used in agriculture for thousands of years) will have benefits not only in the ways mentioned above, but also gets people thinking more about the impacts we make.

I'm hoping that this will lead to more new technology being developed in ways that already anticipate and account for negative impacts so that they avoid them in the first place, rather than having to engineer new solution many years down the line.

[wachinyeya]

New Safer RNA Insecticide Can Target Only the Devastating Potato Beetles and No Other Bugs https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/new-safer-rna-insecticide-can-target-only-the-devastating-potato-beetles-and-no-other-bugs/

[mindblowingscience]

As kimchi has been drawing attention as a global healthy food trend, cabbage is one of the representative vegetables used as a main ingredient for manufacturing kimchi overseas. The annual global production of cabbage and other Brassica crops is reported to be 72 million tons, and more than 30% of them are estimated to be discarded during the manufacturing and distribution processes, causing environmental pollution as well as considerable waste disposal costs in the industry. In connection with this problem, Hae Choon Chang, President of the World Institute of Kimchi (WiKim), has announced that the institute has developed a bio-refactoring-based upcycling technology that can convert cabbage byproducts discarded as waste during the food manufacturing process into biodegradable plastics.

Continue Reading.

[reasonsforhope]

"A Delhi-based engineer has designed a replacement for polystyrene packaging out of “rice stubble” the dead stalks left over after the rice season in India, millions of tons of which are burned every year.

They say wisdom oft comes from the mouths of babes, and Mr. Arpit Dhupar was at first left scratching his head when his young nephew drew a picture of the world with a grey sky.

Everything else was normal, green grass, yellow sun, white and brown mountains; why was the sky grey? It dawned on him that his nephew was drawing the sky as he saw it every year when the rice stubble was burned: grey.

“We shouldn’t live in a world where we have to explain to kids that the sky should be painted blue. It should be a given,” he told The Better India.

So he launched a new business venture called Dharaksha Ecosystems in order to tackle the rice stubble problem. Essentially, the farmers need it cleared off their land asap after harvest. Its high moisture content means it’s not useful for stove fuel, so they burn it in massive pyres.

In his factory, he turns 250 metric tons of rice stubble harvested from 100 acres of farmland in Punjab and Haryana into packaging, while paying the farmers a rate of $30 per acre for something they would usually burn.

Dhupar originally wanted to use mushrooms to rapidly biodegrade baled stacks of rice stubble, but found that the fungus left behind a metabolite that wasn’t biodegradable—in other words, he’d have to create a waste problem to solve a waste problem.

Over time he realized that the filaments that make up the subterranean structure of the mushrooms, called mycelium, were acting as a sort of binding agent, turning the baled stubble into something durable.

“This wasn’t a waste material but could be a usable one,” said Dhupar. “Through bio-fabrication, we could use the stubble waste to create a material similar to [polystyrene], but one that was biodegradable.”

There are a lot of these sorts of sustainable packaging ideas floating around, invented by people who rarely have experience in markets and commerce. This is not the case with Dhupar’s stubble packaging.

He has already prevented over half a million pounds of polystyrene from entering landfills since launching his product, which has numerous, exceptional properties.

They sell around 20 metric tons of their product every month, making about $30.5 thousand dollars per annum, mostly by selling to glassware companies."

-via Good News Network, 3/22/23

[macleod]

From Japan to Iceland, futuristic vertical farms are starting to bloom

Indoor farming is a new and rapidly growing trend that has significant benefits over traditional agriculture methods, including increased efficiency and sustainability. Indoor farming can also help to combat climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide, methane) released into the atmosphere and reducing the need for pesticides.

There are several different ways to do indoor farming, but the most common approach is to use hydroponic systems. These systems rely on water systems rather than soil to support plant growth, creating a controlled environment for the plants to grow in efficiently. An array of sensors designed specifically for this ensure that waste is minimized and resources are recycled whenever possible. Hydroponics also allows farmers to grow crops without dealing with pests or disease outbreaks, and it requires minimal land area compared to traditional agriculture methods. Because you essentially build the farm vertically, you can use places like former factories or warehouses.

In the Shizuoka Prefecture, a facility that’s around 20,000 square feet (0.2 hectares) grows a whopping 12,000 lettuces a day (lettuce is excellently suited for this type of farm). Farmers set up the light regime for the plants (using LEDs), as well as the temperature and humidity level, and enjoy round the year crops. Not only is the area required for the yield much lower than with conventional methods, but the water usage is also lower (10-20 times lower).

More recently, a farm in Kyoto developed by a company called Spread became a record-breaking facility that also introduced bees to pollinate its strawberries, achieving stable pollination under LED conditions and showing that there’s plenty of unexplored opportunity within vertical farms.Image credits: Spread.

Singapore is also betting on vertical farms with one farm established in 2022 producing 500 tonnes of greens each year, in addition to its previous projects. Being able to grow food directly in urban areas means you can bring it to consumers quickly and inexpensively.

Meanwhile, Iceland is taking advantage of its ability to produce cheap, sustainable energy using geothermal sources to fuel a large vertical farm. Iceland has constantly had a problem of having to import food, and Iceland has one of the most expensive food markets in the world due to this. But Andri Bjorn Gunnarsson, founder and CEO of VAXA, the company behind the vertical farm, says Iceland also has some advantages that make it suitable for vertical farming.

(Source: ZME Science, November 9th 2022)

[naqglobal]

Green technology has certainly transformed the fertilizer industry. This is why green technology for fertilizers is such a buzzword nowadays in agriculture. Fertilizers is the word that everyone in the agriculture world would be familiar with. Why? Because, they play a crucial role in ensuring that your soil gets the necessary nutrients to support healthy plant growth. But as the demand for more sustainable farming practices grows, so does the need to rethink how fertilizers are produced & used.

Read More: https://medium.com/@naqglobal1/how-to-use-green-technology-in-fertilizers-quality-1b7e4538630b

[farmerstrend]

Kenya’s Leads Africa as a Hub for AgriTech and Food Startups in Africa

Kenya is emerging as a leader in sourcing capital for its agricultural technology and food startups across the African continent. A large portion of capital for African startups still comes from foreign countries, with approximately 60 per cent, coming from international sources, primarily the United States and the United Kingdom. On the continent, however, most investors are concentrated in…

[jkmtseo]

Explore the eco-friendly world of Jay Khodiyar Biomass Briquetting Plant in India. Our advanced technology transforms agricultural and forestry waste into high-quality briquettes, promoting sustainability and profitability. Dive into the benefits and setup processes of our innovative briquetting solutions and join the green revolution today!

[market-insider]

Nano Fertilizer Market Strategies, Environmental Impact, and Sustainable Agricultural Practices

The global nano fertilizer market size is expected to reach USD 9,377.3 million by 2030, as per the new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 14.8% from 2022 to 2030. The industry growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for better crop yields due to a significant rise in the global population and limited availability of key resources like land.

Nano Fertilizer Market Report Highlights

The global market is estimated to advance at a CAGR of 14.8% from 2022 to 2030. This is attributed to the rising demand for food crops due to the increasing population thus creating the need for using high-yield nano fertilizers

North America dominated the global market in 2021 with a revenue share of over 34%. This is owed to advancement in agriculture in developed countries such as Canada and the U.S.

Favorable policies along with technological advancements in the agricultural sector helped make the U.S., the largest consumer of nano fertilizer

Nitrogen emerged as a major raw material used for the production of nano fertilizer in 2021, with a revenue share of over 25%. Easy and cheap availability of Nitrogen makes it the topmost preference among consumers

Soil method of application captured the largest market share of over 70% in 2021. This growth is attributed to the capability of nano fertilizers to release nutrients in the soil, thus, enabling better penetration into the roots of the crops

Cereals & grains are the largest application segment in terms of revenue. It contributed over 40% to the global revenue share. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the fact that it is the major source of iron, dietary proteins, vitamins, and dietary fibers required by the human body. Thus, to fulfill the growing demand for cereals & grains continues to push food growers to purchase nano fertilizers in rising quantities

For More Details or Sample Copy please visit link @: Nano Fertilizer Market Report

Growing focus on increasing the quantity of yield has led to the indiscriminate use of fertilizers in agriculture. This can result in both environmental and agricultural catastrophes by degrading the quality of the soil. According to a report by Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), natural resources such as water and arable land are on the verge of exhaustion. Furthermore, degradation at a high rate continues due to intensive urbanization and excessive use of chemical fertilizers. Thus, the declining nutritional quality of food and degraded quality of soil continues to drive a gradual shift toward nanotechnology in agriculture. Nano fertilizers remains an ideal prospect to maintain the quality of soil while meeting production target.

The use of nano fertilizers can help in reducing chemical fertilizer consumption by 80 to 100 times, thus reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. For instance, the demand for nano urea is increasing worldwide as it has the ability to replace regular urea usage at a relatively lower cost while offering high yields to crops. By 2023 nano urea is expected to replace the usage of 13.7 million tons of conventional urea. Thus, the huge demand for nano fertilizer from the agriculture industry along with supportive government policies continues to promote newer and more efficient agriculture techniques.

The importance of policy framework remains paramount to promote sustainable growth, and such framework is already in place for nano fertilizers in key regions. For instance, U.S department of agriculture in 2020 announced to make USD 250 million investment through its new grant program. This initiative was taken to support new innovative and more efficient fertilizer production in the region. Additionally, USDA seeks growth in competition as it aims to allay concerns regarding supply chain. With its new initiatives, the USDA continues to introduce more transparency for consumers to make them aware of the safety of agriculture produce. These initiatives aimed at gauging the use of fertilizers, seeds, retail markets, continue to generate momentum for the eco-friendly and high-yield promising nano fertilizers.

[wachinyeya]

Experts Demonstrate How Solar Farms Can Become Hubs for ‘Biodiversity Enhancement’ at Every Level https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/experts-uncover-side-effects-of-solar-farms-they-become-hubs-for-biodiversity-enhancement/

[reformthesystem]

NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES NEED TO BE DEVELOPED

Hi, this is one of my recent blog posts on the need for the government to provide more new job opportunities to solve the unemployment problem in society more effectively as well as improve ordinary people’s socioeconomic status.. If you like my articles and want to support my work, please consider subscribing to my blog. Thanks.

[greenthestral]

The Green Revolution: Exploring the Disruptive Technologies Shaping the Future of the Green Economy

In today's rapidly evolving world, the urgency to address climate change and environmental degradation has propelled the concept of a green economy to the forefront of global discussions. As businesses, governments, and individuals recognize the need for sustainable solutions, disruptive technologies have emerged as key drivers of change. These groundbreaking innovations are reshaping traditional industries, revolutionizing energy production and consumption, transforming resource management, and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

The green economy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and green transportation. Within each of these sectors, disruptive technologies are playing a pivotal role in disrupting existing practices and opening up new possibilities.

One of the most significant areas where disruptive technologies are making an impact is renewable energy. Solar power, wind energy, and hydropower have long been recognized as viable sources of clean energy. However, recent advancements have propelled these technologies to new heights of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The development of highly efficient solar panels, innovative wind turbine designs, and sophisticated energy storage systems has significantly enhanced the feasibility of renewable energy sources. Moreover, emerging technologies such as tidal and geothermal energy hold great promise in harnessing previously untapped sources of renewable power.

The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources has traditionally been a challenge for their widespread adoption. However, disruptive technologies are addressing this limitation through energy storage solutions. Advancements in energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, and hydrogen storage systems, are unlocking the full potential of renewables. These technologies not only enhance grid stability but also enable the integration of renewable energy into existing infrastructure, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to a greener energy mix.

The transformation of energy management and distribution is another area where disruptive technologies are reshaping the green economy. Smart grids equipped with advanced sensors, communication networks, and automation allow for real-time monitoring and control of electricity supply and demand. By optimizing energy distribution, reducing transmission losses, and integrating decentralized renewable energy sources, smart grids enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of energy systems. Furthermore, the emergence of blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the energy sector by enabling peer-to-peer energy trading, ensuring transparency and trust in transactions, and empowering energy consumers to actively participate in the market.

In the realm of sustainable agriculture, disruptive technologies are revolutionizing the way we grow food. Vertical farming, hydroponics, and aeroponics are transforming traditional farming methods, making agriculture more resource-efficient and less dependent on large land areas. These innovative approaches enable year-round crop cultivation, minimize water usage, and maximize productivity. Additionally, precision agriculture techniques, such as remote sensing, drones, and AI-powered analytics, optimize resource allocation, reduce environmental impact, and enhance overall crop yield.

The concept of a circular economy, where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimized, and materials are continuously recycled, is gaining momentum with the help of disruptive technologies. Advanced recycling technologies, including chemical recycling and waste-to-energy conversion, are enabling the recovery of valuable resources from waste streams. This not only reduces the strain on natural resources but also mitigates environmental pollution. Furthermore, innovations like 3D printing, which utilizes recycled materials, are revolutionizing traditional manufacturing practices, reducing waste generation, and promoting decentralized production.

Transportation, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is also undergoing a transformation driven by disruptive technologies. Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant traction, thanks to advancements in battery technology, increased range, and the establishment of robust charging infrastructure. The rise of autonomous vehicles and shared mobility services is revolutionizing urban transportation, reducing congestion, and optimizing energy consumption. Furthermore, the development of biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells holds promise for greener alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based transportation.

Disruptive technologies are catalyzing a profound transformation within the green economy. From renewable energy and energy storage to sustainable agriculture, waste management, and green transportation, these innovative solutions are reshaping industries, driving economic growth, and addressing pressing global challenges. Embracing these technologies is not only an opportunity but a necessity as we strive to create a more sustainable and resilient future. By investing in and harnessing the transformative potential of disruptive technologies, we can accelerate the transition towards a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.

The Rise of Disruptive Technology in the Green Economy

The green economy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and green transportation. Within each of these sectors, disruptive technologies are emerging as catalysts for change. These technologies are characterized by their ability to create significant shifts in existing markets, transform business models, and disrupt traditional practices. Their impact extends beyond economic considerations to encompass environmental sustainability and social progress.

Renewable Energy: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future

Renewable energy is one of the key areas where disruptive technologies are reshaping the green economy. Solar power, wind energy, and hydropower have long been established sources of renewable energy. However, recent advancements in solar panel efficiency, wind turbine design, and energy storage systems have dramatically improved the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of these technologies. Additionally, emerging technologies like tidal and geothermal energy are showing promise in harnessing previously untapped sources of renewable power.

Energy Storage: Unlocking the Full Potential of Renewables

The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources poses a challenge to their widespread adoption. However, energy storage technologies are rapidly evolving to address this limitation. Innovations such as lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries, and hydrogen storage systems are paving the way for efficient and scalable energy storage solutions. These technologies not only enhance grid stability but also facilitate the integration of renewable energy into existing infrastructure, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a greener future.

Smart Grids and Energy Management: Revolutionizing the Power Sector

Disruptive technologies are also revolutionizing the way energy is managed and distributed. Smart grid systems, equipped with advanced sensors, communication networks, and automation, enable real-time monitoring and control of electricity supply and demand. This enables more efficient energy distribution, reduces transmission losses, and enables effective integration of decentralized renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the advent of blockchain technology has the potential to transform the energy sector by enabling peer-to-peer energy trading and ensuring transparency and trust in transactions.

Sustainable Agriculture: Growing Food for the Future

The agricultural sector is undergoing a transformation with the help of disruptive technologies. Vertical farming, hydroponics, and aeroponics are revolutionizing the way we grow crops, making agriculture more resource-efficient and less dependent on traditional farming methods. These technologies allow for year-round crop cultivation, reduce water usage, and eliminate the need for large land areas. Moreover, precision agriculture techniques, such as remote sensing, drones, and AI-powered analytics, optimize resource allocation, enhance productivity, and minimize environmental impact.

Circular Economy and Waste Management: Closing the Loop

Disruptive technologies play a pivotal role in promoting a circular economy, where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimized, and materials are continuously recycled. Advanced recycling technologies, such as chemical recycling and waste-to-energy conversion, are enabling the recovery of valuable resources from waste streams. Additionally, innovative approaches like 3D printing, which utilizes recycled materials, are reducing waste generation and enabling decentralized manufacturing. These technologies are reshaping traditional waste management practices, transforming waste into a valuable resource for creating new products and reducing environmental pollution.

Green Transportation: Journeying Towards Sustainable Mobility

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Disruptive technologies are tackling this challenge by promoting sustainable modes of transportation. Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining momentum with advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and increased range. Furthermore, autonomous vehicles and shared mobility services are revolutionizing urban transportation, reducing congestion, and optimizing energy consumption. Additionally, developments in biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells offer potential alternatives to fossil fuel-based transportation, paving the way for a greener mobility revolution.

Conclusion

The disruptive technologies within the green economy are transforming industries, economies, and societies. From renewable energy and energy storage to sustainable agriculture, waste management, and green transportation, these innovations are redefining traditional practices and offering sustainable solutions to pressing global challenges. As the urgency to address climate change intensifies, embracing and investing in these disruptive technologies is not just an opportunity but a necessity. By harnessing their transformative potential, we can accelerate the transition towards a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Month - August 2024

1.Negative Power Prices Hit Europe as Renewable Energy Floods the Grid

European power markets are experiencing a notable shift as renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar, become a larger part of the energy mix. On Wednesday, power prices in several European markets, including Germany, dipped below zero due to a surge in green electricity production.

2. Taiwan introduces ban on performances by captive wild animals

Live performances by wild animals held in captivity, including performances by dolphins, tigers, and other non-domesticated mammals, will no longer be permitted in Taiwan under new Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) regulations.

3. FTC bans fake online reviews, inflated social media influence; rule takes effect in October

The FTC voted unanimously to ban marketers from using fake reviews, such as those generated with AI technology, and other misleading advertising practices.

The ban also forbids marketers from exaggerating their own influence by, for example, paying for bots to inflate their follower count.

4. Chinese drones will fly trash out of Everest slopes

Come autumn, Nepal will deploy heavy lifter drones to transport garbage from the 6,812-metre tall Ama Dablam, south of Everest. This will be the first commercial work an unmanned aerial vehicle does in Nepal’s high-altitude zone.

The heavy lifter from China’s biggest drone maker, Da Jiang Innovations (DJI), will take on tasks traditionally handled by Sherpas. Officials believe it will help reduce casualties on Everest.

5. Swiss scientists have found a way to use the whole cocoa fruit to make chocolate and not just taking beans and discarding the rest.

Kim Mishra (L) and Anian Schreiber (R) cooperated on the new chocolate making process

Food scientists in Switzerland have come up with a way to make chocolate using the entire cocoa fruit rather than just the beans - and without using sugar.

The chocolate, developed at Zurich’s prestigious Federal Institute of Technology by scientist Kim Mishra and his team includes the cocoa fruit pulp, the juice, and the husk, or endocarp.

6. Six-year-old boy found in Vietnam forest after five days

A six-year-old boy who was missing for five days has been found deep in a forest in Vietnam. Dang Tien Lam, who lives in the northwestern Yen Bai province, was playing in a stream with his nine siblings on 17 August when he wandered into the hills and got lost, local reports said.

He was found on Wednesday by local farmers who heard a child's cry while they were clearing a cinnamon field close to the forest.

7. Lego plans to make half the plastic in bricks from renewable materials by 2026

Lego plans to make half the plastic in its bricks from renewable or recycled material rather than fossil fuels by 2026, in its latest effort to ensure its toys are more environmentally friendly.

The Danish company last year ditched efforts to make bricks entirely from recycled bottles because of cost and production issues. At the moment, 22% of the material in its colourful bricks is not made from fossil fuels.

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[naqglobal]

How to Use Green Technology in Fertilizers Quality

Green technology has certainly transformed the fertilizer industry. This is why green technology for fertilizers is such a buzzword nowadays in agriculture. Fertilizers is the word that everyone in the agriculture world would be familiar with. Why? Because, they play a crucial role in ensuring that your soil gets the necessary nutrients to support healthy plant growth. But as the demand for more sustainable farming practices grows, so does the need to rethink how fertilizers are produced & used.

[farmerstrend]

Turning Waste into Power: How Kenyan Tea Farmers are Benefiting from Tea Clippings Gasification

A Deeside-based waste-to-energy company has unveiled its role on a project that will use waste tea clippings to make greener power for Kenyan farmers. l-r: Emily Mutindi Mutua of IITA, Paul Willacy of CSS, Niel Schulz from United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and Aarti Shah of IITA at a tea plantation in Limuru highlands, Kenya. (Photo credit: CSS) Kenya produces £1bn of tea per…