Researchers at the "Sack" Institute in California are examining deep-rooted soybeans so that these plants can become more resilient to climate change and absorb more carbon from the atmosphere. This research aims to find ways to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide, which has increased due to the burning of fossil fuels.
Research Projects and Funding
With a $١٨ million grant from the "Bezos Earth Fund," researchers are testing the theory that deeper roots may help farmers perform better under drought conditions and other climate stresses. They are looking to measure the amount of stored carbon, the duration of carbon retention, and the durability of the crop.
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Genetic and Agricultural Advances
Over the past six years, researchers have collected genetic information related to hundreds of crop species and identified over ٣٤٧ genes associated with carbon storage and root growth. They have been able to create roots that penetrate deeper by editing the DNA of these plants.
The researchers aim for the roots to allow plants to access water beneath the surface layers of soil during drought periods while also storing carbon at greater depths. Additionally, by increasing root size and producing a substance called "suberin" that retains more carbon, researchers are looking to enhance carbon storage.
Challenges and Future
Despite advancements, it is still unclear how these plants will perform under real agricultural conditions. Researchers are collecting data at several locations, including the University of Illinois and the states of Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa, to get an accurate estimate of carbon storage and crop performance.
The director of the "Plant Utilization Project" at the Sack Institute, Wolfgang Busch, pointed to the challenges of introducing new technologies to farms and added that for success, farmers must see clear benefits. He also noted that early adoption of technologies in the past shows that if there is an attractive technology for major seed companies, it spreads rapidly in farms.
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المصدر: abcnews.com
