#agriculture technologies

[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]

"As countries around the world begin to either propose or enforce zero-deforestation regulations, companies are coming under growing pressure to prove that their products are free of deforestation. But this is often a far from straightforward process.

Take palm oil, for instance. Its journey from plantations, most likely in Indonesia or Malaysia, to store shelves in the form of shampoo, cookies or a plethora of other goods, is a long and convoluted one. In fact, the cooking oil or cosmetics we use might contain palm oil processed in several different mills, which in turn may have bought the raw palm fruit from several of the many thousands of plantations. For companies that use palm oil in their products, tracing and tracking its origins through these obscure supply chains is a tough task. Often it requires going all the way back to the plot level and checking for deforestation. However, these plots are scattered over vast areas across potentially millions of locations, with data being in various states of digitization and completeness...

Palmoil.io, a web-based monitoring platform that Bottrill launched, is attempting to help palm oil companies get around this hurdle. Its PlotCheck tool allows companies to upload plot boundaries and check for deforestation without any of the data being stored in their system. In the absence of an extensive global map of oil palm plots, the tool was developed to enable companies to prove compliance with regulations without having to publicly disclose detailed data on their plots. PlotCheck now spans 13 countries including Indonesia and Malaysia, and aims to include more in the coming months.

Palm oil production is a major driver of deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia, although deforestation rates linked to it have declined in recent years. While efforts to trace illegally sourced palm oil have ramped up in recent years, tracing it back to the source continues to be a challenge owing to the complex supply chains involved.

Recent regulatory proposals have, however, made it imperative for companies to find a way to prove that their products are free of deforestation. Last June, the European Union passed legislation that prohibits companies from sourcing products, including palm oil, from land deforested after 2020. A similar law putting the onus on businesses to prove that their commodities weren’t produced on deforested land is also under discussion in the U.K. In the U.S., the U.S. Forest Bill aims to work toward a similar goal, while states like New York are also discussing legislation to discourage products produced on deforested land from being circulated in the markets there...

PlotCheck, which is now in its beta testing phase, allows users to input the plot data in the form of a shape file. Companies can get this data from palm oil producers. The plot data is then checked and analyzed with the aid of publicly available deforestation data, such as RADD (Radar for Detecting Deforestation) alerts that are based on data from the Sentinel-1 satellite network and from NASA’s Landsat satellites. The tool also uses data available on annual tree cover loss and greenhouse gas emission from plantations.

Following the analysis, the tool displays an interactive online map that indicates where deforestation has occurred within the plot boundaries. It also shows details on historical deforestation in the plot as well as data on nearby mills. If deforestation is detected, users have the option of requesting the team to cross-check the data and determine if it was indeed caused by oil palm cultivation, and not logging for artisanal mining or growing other crops. “You could then follow up with your supplier and say there is a potential red flag,” Bottrill said.

As he waits to receive feedback from users, Bottrill said he’s trying to determine how to better integrate PlotCheck into the workflow of companies that might use the tool. “How can we take this information, verify it quickly and turn it into a due diligence statement?” he said. “The output is going to be a statement, which companies can submit to authorities to prove that their shipment is deforestation-free.” ...

Will PlotCheck work seamlessly? That’s something Bottrill said he’s cautiously optimistic about. He said he’s aware of the potential challenges with regard to data security and privacy. However, he said, given how zero-deforestation legislation like that in the EU are unprecedented in their scope, companies will need to sit up and take action to monitor deforestation linked to their products.

“My perspective is we should use the great information produced by universities, research institutes, watchdog groups and other entities. Plus, open-source code allows us to do things quickly and pretty inexpensively,” he said. “So I am positive that it can be done.”"

-via Mongabay, January 26, 2024

--

Note: I know it's not "stop having palm oil plantations." (A plan I'm in support of...monocrop plantations are always bad, and if palm oil production continues, it would be much better to produce it using sustainable agroforestry techniques.)

However, this is seriously a potentially huge step/tool. Since the EU's deforestation regulations passed, along with other whole-supply-chain regulations, people have been really worried about how the heck we're going to enforce them. This is the sort of tool we need/need the industry to have to have a chance of genuinely making those regulations actually work. Which, if it does work, it could be huge.

It's also a great model for how to build supply chain monitoring for other supply chain regulations, like the EU's recent ban on companies destroying unsold clothes.

[finrays]

Thinking about the original Miriam robots that existed before the Zero Dawn ones and what they might look like.

GAIA uses mostly vertebrate animals as inspiration for her robots, which makes sense, since they need to traverse rough terrain from ruined human infrastructure and wilderness… having hooves and legs instead of treads would probably help with that.

And we know the Chariot Line has an arthropod/cephalopod kind of theme… scorpions, cuttlefish/squids and… crabs? Are the Khopesh units crabs?

Anyway, I feel like that leaves three kind of unique tacks for Elisabet’s original designs…

1) Plantlike bots

2) Insectiod bots

3) Mythical creature based bots

They’re all kinda cool possibilities… but I kinda like Option 2 myself.

Forester drones that look like giant digger wasps, buzzing up to the tops of trees to check health and then digging holes and depositing new seeds via their “stinger.”

Winnow drones that are like the big toe-biter bugs, mandibles spread wide to catch microplastics and filter them from the water.

Lantern drones that look like dragonflies, collecting radiation in swoops and then pausing to brush their forearms over their faces, igniting internal reactions that neutralize the danger.

Open source schematics for a giant rhinoceros beetle field-prowler whose specialized “horn” leaves the roots of native plants alone while making a row for a farmer riding on its “shell” to plant in.

Just… ROBOT BUGS HELPING THE PLANET.

[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)

[flowerfarming01]

Flower Farming in September: Key Tips and Tasks

Flower farming in September is a pivotal time for many growers, as it marks the transition from summer to fall and can set the stage for the coming months. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of this important month in flower farming:

1. Soil and Fertilization:

 Soil Testing: Conduct soil tests to check for pH levels and nutrient needs. 

Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to support the final stages of growth for summer flowers.

2. Watering:

 Adjust Watering Schedule: As temperatures start to drop, you may need to adjust your        watering schedule. Be careful not to overwater, as cooler temperatures can reduce   evaporation rates.

3. Pest and Disease Management:

 Organic Options: Consider organic pest control options such as neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

4. Preparation for Winter:

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to protect the roots from early frosts and to help retain soil moisture.

 Tool Maintenance: Clean and maintain your tools and equipment. 

For more information, visit the Balwaan Krishi website:- https://www.balwaan.com/  

[waywardgentlemenshark]

SAMLI AGRICULTURE DRONE

"Flying towards a greener tomorrow. "Farming just got an upgrade. - SAMLI DRONES Store link: https://samliglobal.en.alibaba.com/ https://lnkd.in/gMsVswq7 Zhongshan Samli Drones Co., Ltd. Location: Guangdong, China. CONTACT US WhatsApp: +86 152 1870 3002 We chat: Samli 2022 mail address: info@samliglobal.com

[arysthaeniru]

Sometimes, a reading will take me 3 hours when it's only about 15 pages, and it's never really because it's hard, but because I take psychic damage with every other line.

[teachanarchy]

Why Tech Billionaires Are Snatching Farmers' Land in Rural California

[farmerstrend]

The Future of Wheat Farming in Kenya: The Economic Benefits of Israeli-Kenyan Wheat Farming Partnerships

“Explore the potential transformation of Kenya’s wheat farming through Israeli investment, focusing on innovative technologies and private partnerships to boost production and create jobs.” “Learn how Israeli investors are set to revolutionize wheat farming in Kenya, enhancing food security and leveraging advanced agricultural technologies in private-sector partnerships.” “Discover the future of…

[kvksagroli]

हंगामी फळांवर प्रक्रिया केल्यास नासाडी थांबेल तसेच उद्योग व्यवसायास चालना मिळेल.. फळांवर प्रक्रिया करून त्यापासून विविध पदार्थांची निर्मिती करता येते. यामुळे फळांची नासाडी तर थांबतेच सोबतच प्रक्रियाउद्योग देखील सुरू होतात. यामुळे नवयुवक व महिलांना उद्योगाच्या संधी उपलब्ध होतील. सध्याच्या हंगामामध्ये लिंबू व लिंबूवर्गीय फळांचे दर कमी असतात व उत्पादन जास्त असते. यामुळे अशा परिस्थितीमध्ये त्याव��� प्रक्रिया करून मूल्यवर्धन करावे आणि विविध टिकाऊ पदार्थ तयार करावेत. याच उद्देशाने संस्कृति संवर्धन मंडळ संचलित कृषी विज्ञान केंद्र, उद्यामिता लार्निंग सेंटर येथे women first कार्यक्रमांतर्गत लिंबू प्रक्रिया या विषयावर दि. 29 ते 31 जुलै 2024 या कालावधीमध्ये प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रम आयोजित करण्यात आले. प्रशिक्षणा दरम्यान लिंबापासून विविध प्रकारची लोणची , स्क्वॉश व इतर पदार्थ प्रात्यक्षिक स्वरूपात शिकवण्यात आले. तसेच प्रक्रिया उद्योग उभारणी, प्रकल्प अहवाल तयार करणे, पदार्थाची पॅकेजिंग, ब्रॅण्डिंग व कायदेशीर इतर बाबी या सर्वांची सविस्तर माहिती डॉ माधुरी रेवणवार यांनी दिली. या प्रशिक्षणासाठी नांदेड जिल्ह्यातील विविध तालुक्यातील महिला व युवक यांनी सहभाग नोंदवला. #agriculture #skills #valueaddition #womensupportingwomen #womeninbusiness #KrishiVigyanKendra #sagroli #nanded #FoodProcessingIndustries

[expectsomuch]

Mind. Blown. 🤯

I want to try the carbon butter. 🤤

[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

[gayhenrycreel]

a commune can have modern tech

a commune is not necessarily a hippy commune where people make daisy necklaces or some shit. liberals clearly don't understand this subject. my home town is a commune. people trade food and when someone needs help we help them. everyone farms. but that doesn't mean theres no technology. work is hard. farming really hurts sometimes, despite the payoff. it is still a modern society with cars and phones.

with the rise of technology, anarchocommunism becomes more and more plausible. without technology, a commune means working constantly til youve got back pain at the age of 25. but with technology, an anarchocommunist society can work. a big part of anarchocommunism is that work is done voluntarily. no one wants to be a cashier. thats a very easy job to replace with technology. we should not live in a world where robots taking people's jobs is a bad thing. we should live in a world where robots taking up jobs means freedom. obviously, some jobs require people, like conservation and medicine. you'd be surprised how many people are willing to help people by taking up these jobs. i plan to farm so people can have enough food, and im also going to study conservation and ecology.

anarchocommunism does not mean doing away with advanced technology.

what other jobs can you think of? leave it in the tags.

interestingly, robots could actually replace surgeons soon. we could still have medical professionals directing them of course.

[rchristianto-blog]

black gold, emas kok hitam