A severe drought, skyrocketing temperatures and a global food crisis have transformed the fertile San Joaquin Valley into a haven for agricultural innovation, and the latest product used by Kern farmers filters sunlight to increase crop yield and reduce water use.
At least six Kern County farmers have adopted Opti-Harvest’s technology that taps into red light or the “most photosynthetically active” wavelength to spur growth, Kwame Acheampong, the director of research and development, explained Friday. A study next year will test Opti-Harvest’s products on pistachios, a more drought tolerant crop Kern farmers increasingly seek to plant as forecasters don’t see an end to dry conditions.
“It’s getting (to be a) more difficult environment to grow,” said local citrus and greenhouse grower Zachary Green, the owner and general manager of WN Citrus, who added that manipulating the conditions in a positive way could help.
Recent Comments