Remember traveling? BIO’s Connor McKoy recounts an experience flying from D.C. to Des Moines in 2019—and how biotechnology can improve the soil in these states.
When flying across the Midwest, look out the window and you’ll notice the earth isn’t dark brown and crumbly like the stuff you buy at the hardware store—but light brown and dry, explains Connor.
This is due to erosion of the topsoil, the “layer of dirt is extremely important for growing crops because it's full of microorganisms and organic carbon,” he says. However: “As crops are planted and harvested year over year, this layer can be lost from tilling and natural erosion.”
Luckily, biotech has solutions—for improving the health of soil, and in turn, improving the health of crops and the environment and supporting farmers.
As one example, researchers are using gene editing to improve carbon capture. The Salk Institute of Biological Studies is developing plants with bigger, deeper roots. The roots stay in the ground after the crop is harvested and break down slowly, helping to replenish the soil with carbon.
And carbon capture helps the environment and farmers.Carbon offset markets will not only help us achieve ambitious climate goals, but also provide new revenue streams for farmers.
“So, if we embrace breakthroughs like genetic engineering, not only can farmers be part of the climate solution, but we could also restore the health of our land and the color of our landscape,” concludes Connor.
Learn more about how biotech can help us meet our climate and agriculture goals.
