Effects of global irrigation are a mixed bag

New research shows how irrigation affects regional climates and environments around the world.

James Devitt-NYU • futurity
June 21, 2023 ~6 min

Dams could help feed the world, but at what cost?

Dams could play a significant role in sustainably feeding the world. But they should only be built as a last resort, researchers say.

Rob Jordan-Stanford • futurity
Nov. 16, 2022 ~7 min


Wireless tech monitors soil moisture in real time

A new wireless system that measures soil moisture in real time could both improve crop yield and reduce water consumption.

Matt Shipman-NC State • futurity
Aug. 19, 2022 ~7 min

Groundwater wells worldwide are at risk of drying up

Groundwater wells supply drinking water to more than half of the world's population. But one in five is at risk of running dry.

Harrison Tasoff-UC Santa Barbara • futurity
April 27, 2021 ~9 min

Irrigation keeps things cool in extreme heat

"...while global warming increases the likelihood of hot extremes almost globally, in some regions, irrigation expansion cancels or even reverses this effect.”

ETH Zurich • futurity
Jan. 15, 2020 ~3 min

Camera system tells farmers when crops need a drink

A new system that combines a simple digital camera with a miniature infrared camera keeps an eye on crops and let farmers know when it's time to irrigate.

Austin Fitzgerald-Missouri • futurity
Aug. 8, 2019 ~3 min

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