Irrigation

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a “smart soil” that can keep plants better hydrated and provide a controlled release of nutrients. In tests it drastically improved crop growth while using far less water.

Farmers will often place sheets of plastic on the ground along their crop rows, in order to help hold moisture in the soil. According to a new study, however, the use of wax-coated sand may be a cheaper and greener way to go.

While solar farms are a source of green energy, many people don't like the fact that they occupy land which could be otherwise utilized. A new project is exploring an alternative, by placing solar panels over canals that will benefit from the shade.

While it's important to keep crops irrigated, you certainly don't want to overwater them – particularly where water is scarce. With that in mind, scientists have now developed a method of gauging the moisture levels in soil, using an ordinary camera.

Dutch startup aQysta, a Delft University of Technology spin-off company, manufactures what's known as the Barsha irrigation pump. It can reportedly boost crop yields in developing nations by up to five times, yet requires no fuel or electricity to operate.

The experimental FLOW-AID system allows farmers to remotely monitor the moisture levels of their soil, running their irrigation systems only when necessary.

Patch is a new self-watering herb planter seeking funding on Kickstarter.

The team at 22Seeds have developed a smartphone-controlled irrigation system that uses local weather data to determine and set customized watering programs.

The Airdrop irrigation concept is a low-tech design that harvests water from the air. The Airdrop irrigation concept is a low-tech design that uses the simple process of condensation to harvest water from the air

Designers have completed the largest and most biologically diverse living wall in Surrey, British Columbia for Semiahmoo Public Library and RCMP Facility with a design covering nearly 3,000 square feet and consisting of over 10,000 individual plants.

A new system of floating barriers protects levees from the erosive effects of waves.

A British engineering student has invented a mobile bicycle-powered water pump, which is being used in rural Guatemala.