SoilMate’s Weekly News Digest #26
Welcome to the fresh collection of the most interesting AgTech news!
Research: Floodwaters carry toxins from the riverbed
During floods in Europe, North America, and Asia, old sediments can be precipitated by high speeds of water flow. Moreover, related pollutants are regularly released at one time and contaminate flooded areas. Researchers from Goethe University, RWTH Aachen University, and the University of Saskatchewan in Canada have compiled a review of previous scientific studies on this topic that describe the risks to drinking water production, the effects of temperature on fish inputs, and methods for estimating the economic costs of remobilization. They are also studying the recent extreme flood events in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia of Germany in terms of hydraulic engineering, ecotoxicological, social, ecological, and economic impacts.
BASF releases new fungicide to help wheat growers with fungi toxins
Fusarium head blight, also known as scab, is a serious wheat disease faced by producers, significantly reducing yield potential. The scab-causing fungus also produces vomitoxin, specifically DON — deoxynivalenol. During infection, DON can accumulate in large quantities in harvested grain. Its presence can lead to a significant reduction in the price and can affect the health of livestock if consumed.
BASF combined the two active ingredients and introduced a new Sphaerex fungicide to help manufacturers control scab and reduce exposure to this toxin better than any other fungicide of wheat on the market.
NASA expands its relationship with satellite imagery provider Planet
Last week, NASA published an article announcing that Planet had received a contract extension to provide satellite imagery for scientific purposes to all United States federal civil agencies, the National Science Foundation, and all federal and national scientific organizations. Planet simultaneously uses its extensive satellite network to attract more agricultural service providers interested in efficient field surveying services. Due to the need for more regular data collection, better resolution and coverage, and low cost-effectiveness, Planet believes they can give agricultural service providers an advantage in servicing customers.
Report: Farm tech investing is accelerating faster than ever
According to AgFunder’s latest Farm Tech Investment Report, investment in agricultural technology increased to $7.9 billion in 2020, surpassing investment in 2019 by $2.3 trillion, or 41%. The sectors that accounted for most investment are next: agro-biotechnology and new farming systems (mainly indoor farming of crops and insects). Investors have invested more than $1.5 billion in each category. For more information — follow the link to the full report.
