Closed-Loop Agriculture
Closed-loop agriculture is a system of farming that mimics the natural cycle of nutrient use and recycling. In the circular economy, closed-loop agriculture plays a critical role in reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
The Science of Closed-Loop Agriculture
Closed-loop agriculture is based on the principles of regenerative farming, which aims to improve soil health and biodiversity through practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage. By cycling nutrients and organic matter back into the soil, closed-loop agriculture supports healthy plant growth and reduces the need for synthetic inputs.
New Age Meats
New Age Meats is a company that is developing cell-cultured meat, which is produced by growing animal cells in a lab. By creating meat without the need for animal agriculture, the company is able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water use. New Age Meats' closed-loop system also recirculates nutrients and water, reducing waste and conserving resources.
The Land Institute
The Land Institute is a research organization that is working to develop perennial crops that can be grown in polyculture systems, which involve growing multiple crops together in a single field. By mimicking natural ecosystems, the Land Institute's closed-loop agriculture system is able to reduce soil erosion, improve soil health, and produce high-yield crops with minimal inputs.
Plenty
Plenty is another vertical farming company that uses technology to grow crops indoors in a controlled environment. The company's closed-loop system recirculates water and nutrients, and its crops are grown without pesticides or herbicides. By growing crops close to urban centers, Plenty is able to reduce transportation emissions and deliver fresh produce to consumers year-round.
AeroFarms
AeroFarms is a company that specializes in vertical farming, which involves growing crops indoors in stacked layers. By using hydroponic technology, LED lighting, and precise climate control, the company is able to produce crops year-round with minimal water and fertilizer use. AeroFarms' closed-loop system also recirculates water and nutrients, further reducing resource use.