Farming the Wind: Wind Turbines May Increase Crop Yields

[Nathanael]

An added bonus for wind power.


New research from the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory points to the possibility that wind turbines placed on or near farmland may actually increase the yields of soybean and corn crops.

Dr. Gene Takle, the lead researcher, explained that his team's preliminary findings show that moving wind turbines help keep crops at ideal growing temperatures, as well as helping to keep them dryer and less susceptible to fungal infestations. Finally, the data shows that wind turbines may also improve the plant's ability to extract growth-enhancing carbon dioxide from the air and soil.

Link: http://www.energyboom.com/wind/farming-wind-wind-turbines-may-increase-crop-yields

[hootinholler]

1. That's somewhat counter intuitive

I wonder if a turbine is required to create the same sort of turbulence? Could streamers produce the same effect?

-Hoot