Photosynthesis, the chemical reaction that enables almost all life on Earth, is extremely inefficient at capturing energy—only around 1% of light energy that a plant absorbs is converted into chemical energy within the plant.
Coupling a two-step electrochemical system that converts CO2 to acetate with photovoltaics increases solar-to-food energy conversion efficiency, providing an alternative route to produce food from carbon dioxide and electricity, independent of biological photosynthesis.
Experiments suggest that it might become possible to nourish plants without photosynthesis—a tool that could one day help feed astronauts and a crowded planet.
Some plants can be persuaded to produce a new crop in the dark, a process known as 'forcing'. Although it sounds technical it is not as tricky as you might expect and can yield impressive results at a time when fresh produce is scarce...
Scientists in the US have found a way to grow plants in complete darkness. Could this be the future of farming, reducing land use and environmental impact? Or will traditional agriculture remain irreplaceable?
Researchers are finding that when pulverized rock is applied to agricultural fields, the soil pulls far more carbon from the air and crop yields increase. More studies are underway, but some scientists say this method shows significant benefits for farmers and the climate.
Demineralization occurs rapidly on intensively farmed and tropical soils. Rock dust can reverse this process, rebuilding and restoring life to the soil.
Soil fertility is indeed a widespread global problem. Unless farmers develop creative solutions, people will struggle to grow food in the coming years.
Earth’s Rapidly Degrading Soil Is Bad News For Human Health
“It’s like that old saying, ‘If mama ain’t happy, nobody’s happy,’ says soil advocate, Holly Arbuckle. “In order to have nutrient dense food, [and healthy people] we need healthy soil.”
Here’s another technology that uses seawater to grow crops in the desert, but with the bonus of extracting salt from the water without the expensive desalination process.
The technology can also be used to produce clean energy.
https://news.uchicago.edu/story/chemists-create-artificial-photosynthesis-system-10-times-more-efficient-existing-systems
Imagine growing crops even in the darkness! This can be a game changer in global food security.
It’s been done! Artificial photosynthesis systems are already being used to grow crops.
Scientists have discovered a method for growing crops in complete darkness.
Yeast, algae, and mushrooms are among the top crops that can grow without sunlight for photosynthesis.
Several crops, primarily vegetables, can already grow without sunlight.
Food crops that thrive in darkness can lead to efficient farming, significantly enhancing global food security.
Gravel dust could also help with soil nutrient supplementation.
https://e360.yale.edu/features/how-adding-rock-dust-to-soil-can-help-get-carbon-into-the-ground
People have been experimenting with gravel dust farming for several years now and with some very positive results.
Soil fertility is indeed a widespread global problem. Unless farmers develop creative solutions, people will struggle to grow food in the coming years.
Here’s another technology that uses seawater to grow crops in the desert, but with the bonus of extracting salt from the water without the expensive desalination process.
What a fantastic idea! With seawater, we can be able to transform deserts into fertile lands.
Seawater-grown crops can boost food production and improve food security.
Whoever said food cannot be grown using saltwater?