Roots Up, an Ethiopian-based organization supporting family farming as a viable model of agriculture, has created a special greenhouse that's capable of watering itself. Since parts of Ethiopia can go months without rain, it was important to create a solution that could rely on another source of water. Fast Co Design writes, "During the day, as temperatures rise outside, the heat makes water evaporate from the plants inside the greenhouse. At the end of the day, the farmer opens a flap on the top of the building, and the water condenses into dew and rolls back into a collection tank.È
By focusing on this clever tactic, Roots Up helps ensure the plants receive enough water until the next rainfall. It also helps farmers collect safe drinking water for themselves and others.
Dew-Harvesting Greenhouses
Roots Up Designs a Plant House that Waters Itself
Trend Themes
1. Self-watering Greenhouses - Opportunity for developing innovative greenhouses that can collect and reuse water, reducing dependence on external water sources.
2. Dew-harvesting Technology - Potential for leveraging dew-harvesting technology to create water solutions in regions with limited rainfall, improving agricultural practices and water availability.
3. Sustainable Farming - Trend towards sustainable farming methods, such as self-sufficient greenhouses, that address water scarcity and support local communities.
Industry Implications
1. Agriculture - Opportunity for agricultural businesses to adopt self-watering greenhouses and dew-harvesting technology to enhance crop production and resilience.
2. Water Management - Growing need for the water management industry to develop and implement innovative solutions for collecting and utilizing dew as a water source.
3. Environmental Technology - Rising demand for environmental technology companies to create sustainable farming solutions, including self-watering greenhouses powered by dew-harvesting systems.