The global population is expected to increase to 9 billion people by 2050. To guarantee food security for this population, an increase of 70% in food production is required. The current agricultural system is mainly focussed on economy and not able to increase its productivity while remaining within the planetary boundaries, hence, a paradigm shift is essential. A switch to a more sustainable agricultural system may provide such a shift. Our partner, Fundamental Systems (FS) recognized this challenge and developed a product, which they claim can improve the sustainability and efficiency in agriculture. It consists of a machine that infuses hydrogen and oxygen gas, which have been suggested to improve plant growth and its resistance to many stress factors. The use of such infused water which the plants receive through irrigation may therefore decrease the use of fertilisers and pesticides and improve the quality and circularity of water, which are exactly the challenges that agriculture is facing due to new EU legislation starting in 2027.
More about the project
Objective
FS aims to use the product in a sustainably efficient way in agriculture. However, it is not yet clear with which specific goal the product optimally can be used and what the specific demands from the agricultural sector are. We will investigate what the next steps for the implementation of the product of FS in greenhouse horticulture could be and to create a fundamental scientific literature basis for the product.
Methods
The team (Tesla) We will perform a fundamental literature research and stakeholder analysis to be able to create a landing strip for the product. First, an extensive literature study will be performed on the hydrogen/oxygen infusion technology, the potential effect on crop yield, and the molecular mechanism by which this is achieved. With this knowledge, a fundamental basis for the project will be created and the various stakeholders will be identified. These will include agricultural companies, both biological and non-biological, to investigate what the demand from both sectors are. Furthermore, various ministries will be interviewed to determine whether they can play a role in the implementation of the product, because it could have a large positive impact on the agricultural sector and the environment. In addition, from the agricultural Wageningen University, various people will be interviewed about their expertise in this field and whether they could contribute to the implementation of the product. Optionally, Waternet is considered to explore their expertise and potential role in the process of water sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Deliverables
In the end, an extensive report will be provided, including a scientific- and research-based advice for the implementation of hydrogen/oxygen-infused water to sustainably increase productivity in agriculture.
Students
Enzo van Leeuwen, Puck Mulder