An Australian start up is using artificial intelligence, specially designed seed pods, and autonomous drones to reverse forest loss at record speed.
Deforestation – whether human driven or natural – seriously disturbs wildlife, ecosystems, weather patterns, and contributes to our changing climate.
At least 85 percent of global deforestation has taken place to make room for agriculture, with the biggest culprits being cattle ranches, soybean plantations, and palm oil farms.
Scientists have already told us that planting trees alone won’t be enough to solve the current environmental crisis. But forests are vital carbon sinks and provide homes for about 80 percent of land-dwelling animal species, making them an important part of the solution.
So wouldn’t it be helpful if we had machines that planted new trees at a rate unimaginable for human hands? One Australian startup thinks so too, and its team is using autonomous drones to get the job done.
By equipping drones with artificial intelligence and arming them with specially designed seed pods, AirSeed Technology is planting new trees in the ground at a rate 25 percent faster and 80 percent less costly than human labour.
The drones, like commercial flights, have a predetermined flight path and will only deploy seeds where the soil below is most compatible.
Acknowledging that soil health is important, each seed pod is manufactured using waste biomass, with a carbon rich outer coating that enriches surrounding dirt and increases the seed’s chances of growing.
Once the seed begins to germinate, the seed’s outer coating provides nutrients and minerals that the plant needs to grow. It also prevents birds, insects, or rodents from finding the seed and carrying them elsewhere.
Andrew Walker, the CEO and co-founder of AirSeed Technology has said, ‘Each of our drones can plant over 40,000 seed pods per day and they fly autonomously.’ The drones also record where each seed lands, allowing the company to check up on their growth status.
Using such technologies to help nurture future forests will have a knock-on effect for the rest of life on Earth. The great news is that AirSeed Tech has set a goal to plant 100 million trees by the year 2024.
Where else could drones come in handy?
Though AirSeed’s drones are currently being used in Australia, the potential reach of nature tech is global.
Drones are currently being used to monitor kelp forests in California, where conservation efforts to restore and protect forests are underway. Flying overhead, the size of kelp canopies can be measured and recorded by environmentalists.
In Jordan and other neighbouring countries in Africa, high temperatures, reduced rainfall, and lack of fauna is causing water scarcity to worsen.
Where extremely dry soil is now present, there was once an abundance of lush trees. In order to reinvigorate the land, help the soil capture rainfall, and retain groundwater, local communities have kickstarted rewilding efforts by planting native seeds in the area.
Although this is currently being done by hand, it’s a perfect example of how seed-firing drones could not only help with reforesting the planet more efficiently, but at preventing land degradation and desertification, too.
No doubt, we can expect to see nature tech continue booming in the run up to 2030, as the target date for climate agreements on global heating, halting deforestation, and ocean sustainability get closer. So if you see a massive drone shooting loads of pellets onto open ground, don’t panic.
Deputy Editor & Content Partnership ManagerLondon, UK
I’m Jessica (She/Her). I’m the Deputy Editor & Content Partnership Manager at Thred. Originally from the island of Bermuda, I specialise in writing about ocean health and marine conservation, but you can also find me delving into pop culture, health and wellness, plus sustainability in the beauty and fashion industries. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
Unionised quality assurance testers at ZeniMax have announced that they’ve reached a deal with Microsoft after two years of negotiations. It follows a recent trend of more coherence amongst video game workers to demand greater pay and rights.
A new deal has been reached between unionised quality assurance testers at ZeniMax and Microsoft, following two years of negotiations.
ZeniMax is a video game publisher and holding company, perhaps best known...
Artificial intelligence is coming for your job – and according to a new report, it’s coming faster if you’re a woman.
For technology designed to eliminate benign work, artificial intelligence is proving remarkably efficient at replicating workplace inequality. Not that it will surprise any woman under the sun, but a new report from the UN’s International Labour Organisation has confirmed women are set to bear the brunt of AI-driven job...
New research by Enders Analysis suggests that premium video services are being pirated via alternative streams on an ‘industrial scale.’ The firm says a lack of action by tech companies is to blame.
A study by Enders Analysis has claimed that big tech firms like Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft are not doing enough to clamp down on streaming piracy.
Premium broadcasting for sporting events is of particular concern, with...
With gender-based violence continuing to be a serious problem in South Africa, organisations and young entrepreneurs are looking for innovative ways to ensure greater safety for women and girls.
South Africa faces high rates of gender-based violence (GBV). Bohlale Mphahlele, a 21-year-old tech whiz from the country, aims to make society safer.
When she was 16 and still in high school, Bohlale created the 'Alerting Earpiece'. This gadget looks like an...
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
0 Comments
