Articles tagged with "sustainable-agriculture"
The Gift Of Growing Your Own Produce Year-Round In Inhospitable Climates - CleanTechnica
The article discusses innovative approaches to growing fresh produce year-round in challenging climates, focusing on two main examples. First, a research project in Nunavut, Canada, is enabling Inuit communities to cultivate fresh fruits and vegetables inside insulated shipping container greenhouses equipped with artificial lighting and powered by renewable energy sources. This initiative, partially funded by the Canadian Space Agency and costing about $3.6 million USD, addresses food insecurity in the region where 60% of the population struggles to afford sufficient nutritious food. Although current yields are small, the project aims to scale up production and become economically sustainable, potentially serving as a model for other remote Arctic communities. The article also highlights indoor gardening solutions for urban dwellers and those in temperate climates with limited growing seasons. It features the LetPot, a smart seed-starter system that allows users to grow herbs and vegetables indoors year-round, reducing food waste and carbon emissions associated with store-bought produce. The LetPot integrates app-based controls and sensors to facilitate plant growth
energyIoTgreenhouse-technologyindoor-farmingrenewable-energysustainable-agriculturecontrolled-environment-agricultureSome More Sustainable Rice Alternatives - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica addresses the significant climate impact of rice cultivation, primarily due to methane emissions from traditional wet farming methods. It highlights several sustainable farming practices that can reduce these emissions, including alternate wetting and drying (AWD), mid-season drainage, and direct seeding. AWD involves controlled irrigation around critical growth periods to reduce methane and arsenic uptake. Mid-season drainage temporarily dries fields during the growing season to cut greenhouse gas emissions, while direct seeding reduces the flooding period by about a month, further lowering methane output. Beyond improving rice cultivation methods, the article explores low-carbon alternatives to rice for those seeking more sustainable diets. While not exhaustive, the suggested alternatives include grains and foods that often have higher protein content than rice, offering both environmental and nutritional benefits. The piece underscores the broader context that agriculture and food production significantly contribute to climate change, with rice being a notable factor due to its methane emissions. Additionally, the article briefly mentions teff, a grain used in Ethiopian cuisine,
energysustainable-agriculturemethane-emissionsclimate-changerice-cultivationgreenhouse-gaseslow-carbon-dietSmall Agrivoltaic Project, Big Impact
The article "Small Agrivoltaic Project, Big Impact" highlights the challenges faced by US farmers today, including tariffs, inflation, labor shortages, and climate change, which have contributed to a rise in farm bankruptcies. In response, a new agrivoltaic initiative in Virginia aims to leverage solar energy as a sustainable "energy crop" to support farmers and local communities. Unlike traditional biofuel crops such as corn and soybeans—which require extensive land, machinery, and emit significant CO2—solar panels generate electricity continuously during daylight without the same environmental drawbacks. This approach offers a more efficient and less carbon-intensive alternative to fossil fuels and biofuels. Agrivoltaics, the practice of combining agriculture with solar energy production on the same land, has evolved since the early 2000s. Initially, solar installations were placed on low-maintenance land with minimal vegetation, but recent research shows that solar panel shading helps conserve soil moisture and supports shade-tolerant plants, enhancing farmland conservation.
energysolar-energyagrivoltaicssustainable-agriculturephotovoltaic-panelsfarmland-conservationrenewable-energyBiofuels Globally Emit More CO2 Than The Fossil Fuels They Replace — Study - CleanTechnica
A recent study highlighted by CleanTechnica reveals that global biofuel production emits 16% more CO2 than the fossil fuels it aims to replace, primarily due to indirect effects such as farming practices and deforestation. Currently, biofuel crops occupy 32 million hectares—an area roughly the size of Italy—to supply just 4% of global transport energy demand. This land use is projected to increase by 60% by 2030, reaching 52 million hectares, equivalent to the size of France. Despite the growing promotion of advanced and waste biofuels, 90% of biofuel production still depends on food crops like corn, sugarcane, and vegetable oil, with a significant portion of vegetable oil burned in vehicles rather than used for food. The study also emphasizes the high water consumption of biofuels, requiring about 3,000 liters to drive 100 km, compared to just 20 liters for electric vehicles powered by solar energy. The analysis suggests that using only
energybiofuelsrenewable-energysolar-energycarbon-emissionsclimate-changesustainable-agricultureNew Solar Glass Cranks Up Lettuce Crop Yields By Almost 40%
UbiQD, a US startup, has developed an innovative solar glass infused with quantum dots that significantly enhances greenhouse crop yields, particularly for lettuce. Tested by researchers at the University of California – Davis, the "UbiGro" solar glass demonstrated nearly 40% increases in fresh biomass, leaf area, and root length over a full winter growth period. Additionally, plants grown under this glass showed a 41% improvement in light-use efficiency and higher concentrations of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and copper. The glass also altered the spectral red:blue light ratio by 61% without reducing photosynthetically active radiation, optimizing the greenhouse microclimate passively and energy-free. The UC-Davis study, published in Materials Today Sustainability, is the first to evaluate quantum dots integrated with passive solar glass, highlighting the potential of this technology to support climate-smart, resilient food production in greenhouses and vertical farms. UbiQD plans to scale commercial applications of this
energysolar-glassquantum-dotsmaterials-sciencesustainable-agriculturegreenhouse-technologyphotoluminescenceNew Agrivoltaic Solutions Keep Bubbling Up Across The US
The article highlights the growing momentum of agrivoltaics in the United States, showcasing its transition from experimental projects to a robust industry that supports both agriculture and renewable energy generation. Agrivoltaics, also known as solar farming or dual-use solar, integrates solar panels with farming activities, allowing farmers to generate electricity while continuing crop production. This approach not only provides additional revenue streams or energy cost savings for farmers but also supports ecosystem services such as pollinator habitats and soil restoration, contributing to land conservation and sustainable agriculture. The North American Agrivoltaics Awards (NAAA) program exemplifies this maturation by recognizing innovative projects that address regional challenges, climate change, and food insecurity. The 2025 NAAA program awarded two notable projects: Rutgers University’s agrivoltaic research farms in New Jersey and the Spaces of Opportunity community farm in South Phoenix, Arizona. Rutgers operates multiple research farms to study how solar installations can coexist with various crops and livestock, influencing statewide policy and supporting New Jersey’s Dual
energyrenewable-energysolar-energyagrivoltaicssolar-farmingclean-energysustainable-agricultureTerraton wants to be the McDonald’s of biochar
Terraton aims to revolutionize the biochar industry by applying a franchise-style "business-in-a-box" model similar to McDonald’s approach to burger restaurants. Biochar is a carbon-sequestering fertilizer produced by burning agricultural waste in the absence of oxygen, which stores carbon in soil for centuries while enhancing soil health. The company recently raised $11.5 million in seed funding led by Lowercarbon Capital and Gigascale Capital, with participation from notable investors including Google’s Jeff Dean and OpenAI board member Bret Taylor. Terraton plans to help partners build biochar facilities, replicate successful models, and develop a SaaS platform to operate plants, verify carbon credits, and facilitate sales to large corporate buyers like Microsoft and Google. Terraton’s co-founders highlight that biochar production is currently supply-constrained due to the need for facilities to be located near agricultural waste sources to reduce transportation costs. Each facility can capture roughly 10,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, which is significant but
energybiocharcarbon-sequestrationsustainable-agriculturecarbon-creditsclimate-technologyrenewable-resourcesGovernment Clown Can't Tell Solar Panels From Buildings
The article criticizes Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins for blaming solar panels for the rapid loss of U.S. farmland, particularly in Tennessee, where she announced restrictions on USDA loans for solar and wind projects to protect agricultural land. While farmland is indeed disappearing at an alarming rate—Tennessee alone has lost over 1.2 million acres in 30 years—the article argues that the primary cause is urban and suburban sprawl, including real estate development, not solar energy installations. The USDA’s claim that a 50% increase in solar panels on farmland since 2012 justifies these restrictions is challenged as misleading, since the absolute land area occupied by solar arrays remains very small. Research from the University of Tennessee supports this perspective, showing that as of 2023, utility-scale solar projects occupy only about 8,200 to 14,700 acres statewide, producing 1.474 gigawatts of energy. Even with an ambitious goal of adding 10 gigawatts of solar capacity
energysolar-energyrenewable-energyfarmland-conservationUSDA-policiessolar-panelssustainable-agricultureSolar reactor turns human urine into fertilizer, boosts energy 60%
A Stanford-led research team has developed a solar-powered system that converts human urine into ammonium sulfate fertilizer, offering a sustainable solution for sanitation, agriculture, and energy generation in resource-limited regions. The system uses electrochemical chambers powered by solar energy to separate ammonia from urine, which is then captured as fertilizer. By integrating waste heat from solar panels through copper tubing, the process not only accelerates ammonia recovery by over 20% but also boosts solar panel energy efficiency by nearly 60%, while preventing overheating. This innovation enables fertilizer production directly where it is needed without relying on power grids or carbon-intensive industrial facilities, addressing the high costs and environmental impacts of traditional nitrogen fertilizer production. Beyond fertilizer creation, the technology improves wastewater safety by removing nitrogen, reducing environmental contamination and enabling safer reuse for irrigation—critical in low- and middle-income countries where over 80% of wastewater goes untreated. The system’s scalability and clean energy use make it a promising approach to simultaneously tackle water, food, and energy challenges
energysolar-powerfertilizer-productionsustainable-agriculturewastewater-treatmentnitrogen-recoveryrenewable-energyAeroFarms® Raises Equity to Fund Pre-Construction Activities for Second Farm; Refinances Debt to Support Ongoing Operations in Danville, Virginia - CleanTechnica
AeroFarms, a leading U.S. indoor vertical farming company specializing in microgreens, has raised equity funding from existing investors—including Grosvenor Food & AgTech, Ingka Investments, Cibus Capital, and ACEG—to support pre-construction activities for a second farm and ongoing operations at its Danville, Virginia facility. The company aims to expand its sustainable, profitable vertical farming model that uses patented aeroponics technology, robotics, AI, and 100% renewable energy to produce nutritious greens year-round while using significantly less land and water than traditional farming. AeroFarms currently commands over 70% of the U.S. retail microgreens market. In addition to equity financing, AeroFarms refinanced its debt with an asset-based loan from Siguler Guff, which fully paid off the previous Horizon Technology Finance facility and provided additional capital for operations. The new loan offers more favorable terms, including a lower interest rate, interest-only payments, and provisions for equipment financing. Siguler
energymaterialsroboticsIoTvertical-farmingsustainable-agriculturerenewable-energySun-tracking solar panels power Japan’s rice fields without crop loss
A University of Tokyo study demonstrates that dual-axis sun-tracking solar panels installed three meters above rice paddies in Nagano Prefecture can generate substantial renewable electricity without significantly reducing rice yields. By adjusting panel angles daily and seasonally, the system balances sunlight for crops during growth periods and maximizes power generation in the off-season. Over two growing seasons, rice output under the panels reached 75-85% of that in uncovered fields, with grain quality meeting Japan’s top standards. The array produced nearly 44,000 kWh annually, achieving efficiency comparable to European agrivoltaic projects and a levelized cost of electricity roughly equal to Japan’s residential rates without subsidies. Japan’s limited flat land and mountainous terrain create challenges for expanding solar energy without compromising farmland. Conventional solar farms require large areas, whereas agrivoltaics—stacking food production and power generation on the same land—offers a promising solution. The pilot project aligns with Japan’s goals to increase solar capacity and energy security, including
energysolar-energyagrivoltaicsrenewable-energyphotovoltaic-panelsJapan-energy-innovationsustainable-agricultureGermany pressure-cooks waste to trap 50 tons of CO2 per hectare
A German startup, Humify, has revived a nearly century-old high-pressure process known as hydrothermal humification to rapidly regenerate soil and capture significant amounts of CO2. By heating organic waste to 200°C under pressure with water, they produce artificial humic substances—nutrient-rich polymers that mimic natural soil components. When added to soil, these substances enhance moisture and mineral retention, stimulate beneficial microbial ecosystems, and can bind up to 50 tons of carbon per hectare within the first year. This method compresses a natural soil regeneration process that typically takes over 3,000 years into just weeks, offering a promising solution to soil degradation and climate change. The process repurposes the Bergius-Pier method, originally developed in the early 20th century for converting biomass into fuel, to instead restore soil health and trap carbon underground. Humify’s approach is flexible, working with various organic wastes and adaptable to local agricultural conditions. Field trials in China have shown crop yield increases of up
energycarbon-capturesoil-regenerationhydrothermal-humificationsustainable-agricultureclimate-change-mitigationgreen-chemistryNetZeroNitrogen wants bacteria to replace synthetic fertilizer on farm fields
NetZeroNitrogen is a startup aiming to reduce the reliance on synthetic fertilizers by introducing naturally occurring nitrogen-fixing bacteria as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. Synthetic fertilizers, while crucial for global food production, contribute significantly to environmental issues such as oceanic dead zones caused by runoff. NetZeroNitrogen’s approach uses bacteria that directly target plants’ nitrogen needs, contrasting with the broad application of synthetic fertilizers. These bacteria are not genetically modified, simplifying regulatory approval and allowing potential use in organic farming. The bacteria die along with the plant, minimizing ecological risks. The company plans to launch its first product targeting rice cultivation, leveraging the crop’s seed-soaking process to apply the bacteria easily. By using large-scale fermentation, NetZeroNitrogen can produce its bacterial amendment at a lower cost than the traditional Haber-Bosch process used for synthetic fertilizer production. The startup aims to offer its product at least $50 per hectare cheaper than synthetic fertilizers, potentially providing a 30-40% cost reduction in
energysustainable-agriculturenitrogen-fixationbiomanufacturingfertilizer-alternativesenvironmental-impactclimate-technologyLamb Is High Carbon Too? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights that lamb, like beef, is a high-carbon animal-based food primarily due to methane emissions from ruminant digestion. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, accounts for about half of the emissions associated with lamb and beef production. Additional carbon emissions arise from land use changes, such as converting wild land and peat soils for agriculture, growing animal feed, pasture management, and the energy-intensive processes of slaughter, processing, and refrigeration. Even small amounts of meat waste contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to lamb and beef, other animal products like pork, chicken, eggs, and dairy have lower carbon footprints. Beyond environmental concerns, the article challenges the nutritional necessity of eating lamb, noting that plant-based foods can provide complete proteins with all essential amino acids, debunking the myth that animal foods are uniquely complete. It also explores the misconception linking pleasure from eating indulgent foods to happiness. Neuroscientific research cited in the article shows that true happiness depends more on
energygreenhouse-gasesmethane-emissionscarbon-footprintsustainable-agricultureclimate-changefood-productionClearVue Update - CleanTechnica
ClearVue, an innovative Australian company specializing in solar glass technology, has made significant advances in transforming windows and buildings into solar energy generators. Their technology enables greenhouses to become energy-efficient and self-sufficient by generating up to 40% of the power needed for lighting, heating, cooling, and automation without blocking the sunlight essential for plant growth. Over four growing seasons, ClearVue’s solar glass has demonstrated remarkable results, including up to a 93% increase in crop yields for various plants such as beans, leafy greens, tomatoes, and snow peas. These findings have been validated through controlled experiments and multiple seasons, highlighting the technology’s potential to enhance food production sustainably. Building on this success, ClearVue has launched a $AU20 million, five-year research collaboration called the ARC Research Hub for Intelligent Energy Efficiency in Future Protected Cropping. Funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and 16 partner organizations—including leading universities like RMIT, Australian National University, and industry experts—this initiative
energysolar-energysmart-greenhousesagrivoltaicssustainable-agricultureenergy-efficiencycrop-yield-improvementA New Wave Of Algae Is Perking Up The Vertical Farming Industry - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the emerging role of microalgae, particularly Spirulina, in revolutionizing vertical farming and addressing critical global challenges related to land use, biodiversity loss, and food scarcity. Spirulina, a nutrient-rich blue-green algae, can be cultivated indoors in bioreactors, making it suitable for vertical farming and reuse of existing infrastructure. Researchers at the University of Arizona are enhancing Spirulina’s nutritional profile and developing affordable DIY bioreactors to enable local production, aiming to reduce costs and deploy Spirulina as a sustainable food source in regions facing famine and food insecurity. Despite its nutritional benefits—including providing all nine essential amino acids and vital fatty acids—Spirulina’s widespread adoption has been hindered by its strong, often unpleasant taste when consumed as powder. This taste barrier has limited its commercial use mainly to dietary supplements rather than mainstream food markets. However, Icelandic company VAXA Technologies is tackling this challenge by producing fresh Spirulina with a neutral taste directly from bioreactors, as demonstrated
materialsvertical-farmingalgaeSpirulinabioreactorssustainable-agriculturefood-technologyAgrivoltaics And The Underdogs Of The Natural World
The article discusses the emerging field of agrivoltaics, which combines solar energy production with agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Highlighted alongside Ryan Reynolds’ new National Geographic series "Underdogs," which showcases lesser-known species, agrivoltaics is presented as a promising solution to the global biodiversity crisis. Unlike traditional utility-scale solar farms that often clear land and reduce habitat quality, agrivoltaics integrates solar panels with crops, pollinator habitats, and other natural elements, thereby preserving productive farmland and supporting ecosystems. Farmers benefit from reliable income through leasing land for solar projects, while developers gain community support by emphasizing environmental benefits. The article also highlights innovative applications of agrivoltaics, including urban farming initiatives and anti-desertification projects. For example, large-scale solar arrays in China’s Kubuqi Desert aim to halt desert expansion by fostering micro-ecosystems beneath solar panels. Additionally, agrivoltaics supports diverse agricultural practices such as mobile farming and community gardens, enhancing food production in urban and
energyagrivoltaicssolar-energybiodiversitysustainable-agriculturerenewable-energyenvironmental-conservationDairy digesters slash methane emissions by 80% on California farm
A recent University of California, Riverside study demonstrates that sealed dairy digesters can reduce methane emissions from manure by approximately 80% on a California dairy farm. Methane, a greenhouse gas over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over 20 years, is a significant contributor to global warming, with California dairy farms being major sources due to manure management. The study involved detailed atmospheric methane measurements before and after installing a digester at a Tulare County family-run dairy, revealing substantial emission reductions after addressing initial system leaks through collaboration between scientists, the system operator, and the farmer. Dairy digesters work by covering manure pits with gas-tight membranes that trap methane produced during anaerobic decomposition. The captured methane is then cleaned and repurposed as fuel, often powering trucks that would otherwise use diesel. While highly effective, digesters have limitations: they can leak if not properly maintained, do not reduce other pollutants like ammonia or fine particles, and require significant investment and regulatory permits, making them less feasible
energymethane-emissionsdairy-digestersrenewable-energygreenhouse-gas-reductionbioenergysustainable-agricultureNew Agrivoltaic Showcases Sheep And Honeybees
energyagrivoltaicssolar-powersustainable-agriculturepollinatorsecosystemlivestockAgrivoltaics Benefit from Comparatively High Acceptance - CleanTechnica
energyagrivoltaicssolar-energyphotovoltaicssustainable-agriculturerenewable-energypublic-acceptanceJapan: Scientists develop new trick to trap ammonia from air, water
energyammonia-productionartificial-photosynthesiscatalystssustainable-agriculturecarbon-emissionsphotocatalysisAlt Carbon scores $12M seed to scale carbon removal in India
energycarbon-removalclimate-techsustainable-agricultureenhanced-rock-weatheringenvironmental-impactIndiaInterview With Carbon Removal India CEO Asitava Sen On Scaling CDR In India
energycarbon-removalclimate-changesustainable-agricultureagribusinessIndiaCDRHoofprint Biome boosts cow nutrition while slashing methane burps
cow-nutritionmethane-reductionlivestock-managementsustainable-agricultureclimate-impactanimal-scienceHoofprint-Biome