Scientists once again have proven to be the masters of innovation. Here we have Solar power and saltwater as a means of growing food. The presence of drought in some African countries had left the people in tears, especially when the Agriculture of that region is greatly affected. We are aware that there is no way food could be cultivated in a desert climate, and that seawater is also known as saltwater. It may not be a good recipe for growing healthy crops. However, a group of scientists has been able to prove us wrong. They have done so by doing the exact opposite of their innovation.
How This Discovery Is Drought-Proof
These scientists who have discovered a drought-proof way to cultivate fruits and vegetables using solar power and saltwater for irrigation and cooling are from the UK-based Seawater Greenhouse company. This company has launched plantation projects in various African countries such as Somaliland, Oman, Australia, and more amidst the harsh climate of these regions. To achieve food production in large quantities, the company uses dampened cardboards to make thick walls, thereby building a “cooling house.” These cardboard structures keep the interior of the plantation cool because it uses the evaporative cooling technique. This is a perfect technique for farming in areas affected by drought, has a glass greenhouse keep gardens moist and warm. The cardboard structure also helps to reduce the temperature of the wind coming from outside into the structure.
Seawater is often collected and recirculated all over the cardboard panels to achieve evaporation. A small solar-powered pump is used to dispense seawater at the top of the panels in a way that it can spread down through the wall of the cardboard. The seawater contains a good amount of salt that precipitates onto the exterior of the walls. It helps to fortify the cardboard, and it can also be gathered and sold for commercial profit.
Economic Effect Of This Innovation
When the agricultural sector of a nation is affected by drought, flood, or other climatic effects, it goes a long way to pulling down the economy of that nation until solutions are provided. The scientific innovation of using solar-power and saltwater to grow fruits and vegetables is a step that shows that climatic challenges can be solved to boost the economy and the existence of man. This innovation creates job opportunities for those in drought proven regions and also provides another source of income generation that would enhance their economy, such as salt cultivation. Agriculture is revived within the drought-proven countries as a result of scientific innovation. When there is agricultural produce, businesses will begin to pick-up since there would be buying and selling within and outside the region.
Conclusion
Charlie Paton is the founder of Seawater Greenhouse. He says that he is excited to launch more projects in drought-proven regions around the world, upon completing the company’s Somaliland project in November 2017. This plantation now produces about 300 to 750 tonnes of tomatoes per year. And Charlie Paton, the founder of Seawater Greenhouse, says he is excited for his to launch more projects in drought-proven regions around the world. http://goodnewsnetwork.org
