Nature has an extensive feature on the challenges of feeding the growing human population. The experts they consult are optimistic, especially about what they call "sustainable intensification," which is methods that produce more food without using more water or fertilizer. One of the new approaches is to breed or genetically engineer plants to grow more extensive, vigorous root systems, something that has been mostly ignored by traditional plant breeders. All the experts also note that we waste at least 30 percent of the food we produce, a number they think can be reduced.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Feeding 9 Billion
Nature has an extensive feature on the challenges of feeding the growing human population. The experts they consult are optimistic, especially about what they call "sustainable intensification," which is methods that produce more food without using more water or fertilizer. One of the new approaches is to breed or genetically engineer plants to grow more extensive, vigorous root systems, something that has been mostly ignored by traditional plant breeders. All the experts also note that we waste at least 30 percent of the food we produce, a number they think can be reduced.
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