Severe summer drought puts agricultural innovation to the test, initial results provide hope to farmers
A field trial of drought-tolerant corn took place at Western Kentucky University. Photo courtesy Syngenta.
This summer’s severe drought, which has resulted in substantial crop losses throughout the entire Midwest, has put the latest agricultural technologies to the test, MIT’s Technology Review reports. Agricultural researchers and scientists are developing plant breeding and biotechnology innovations which can improve a crop’s ability to use water more efficiently and tolerate drought conditions, in hopes of addressing future challenges presented by adverse weather conditions.
Farmers participating in field trials of drought-tolerant varieties have reported positive results thus far. Illinois farmer Mike Cyrulik notes that his healthier drought-tolerant corn has “wound up being the talk of the town,” adding that he expects a significantly higher yield in his acres planted with the drought-tolerant variety. Read more.
[...] 9/7/12Severe summer drought puts agricultural innovation to the test, initial results provide hope to farm… [...]