Innovative Collaboration
In an exciting new development, the American Farmland Trust (AFT) has joined forces with Sol Systems to combine solar energy production with sustainable farming practices.
This inventive project centers around the cultivation of Kernza, a unique perennial grain derived from intermediate wheatgrass, which not only serves as a diverse ingredient for bread and pastries but is also gaining popularity in the brewing industry.
Kernza Cultivation at Solar Sites
The initiative will be implemented at Sol Systems’ Eldorado Phase II location in Illinois, where Kernza is set to be cultivated beneath solar panels.
Kernza, developed by The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas, boasts impressive deep-root systems that can reach over 10 feet underground.
This extraordinary rooting capability allows the plant to absorb essential nutrients and moisture while also capturing atmospheric carbon, thus improving soil health.
Additionally, The Land Institute has launched a Perennial Percent product label for food and beverages containing at least 1% Kernza.
Goals and Future Perspectives
Sol Systems, a champion of clean energy, and AFT, which embraces a holistic view of agriculture, are eager to gather important information about the practicalities and benefits of growing perennial crops like Kernza alongside solar panels.
Their initiative is guided by three main goals: first, they aim to conduct research that assesses how feasible it is to cultivate Kernza in utility-scale solar operations; second, they seek to improve soil and water quality; and finally, they plan to establish a collaborative network that connects researchers, farmers, and solar developers interested in fostering synergies between solar energy and agricultural practices.
This initiative represents a significant step toward merging renewable energy with sustainable farming, potentially igniting a new chapter of environmental responsibility and innovative strategies.
By paving the way for a sustainable future, this partnership could inspire a variety of practices that benefit both the planet and agricultural producers alike.
Source: Foodbusinessnews