The primary source of food for us is vegetation. We are predominantly vegetarians. In order to sustain our increased numbers, we need abundant crop resources. The animals we consume are mostly herbivores as well.
Heat, water and carbon dioxide are what plants need in order to exist. There can be too little or too much of all of them, but plant life exists over a wide range of each of them. The basic equation on which all life on Earth depends is: carbon dioxide + water > glucose + oxygen in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll. This reaction takes place in plant cells. The glucose is used by the plants and oxygen is used by humans and animals.
CARBON DIOXIDE AND GROWTH
It has been shown by photos taken from space that there has been greening of the Earth’s surface since the start of the space age. Therefore, the conditions on Earth currently seem good and getting better for growth of vegetation.
If the Industrial Revolution has had any effect at all on the Earth’s climate then it is one to celebrate and rejoice.
Research indicates that carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere continues to rise. It is currently at about 440ppm (parts per million carbon dioxide). To put this in proportion, every adult human breathes out about 45 000ppm with every exhalation. Submarines allow up to 6 000ppm carbon dioxide in their atmosphere before considering it too dangerous.
It has been shown by horticulturalists growing produce in glasshouses with an atmosphere of 600ppm to 800ppm that crop yields can be increased in comparison to crops grown in normal atmospheric conditions, currently about 440ppm. Therefore, there is still substantial opportunity for increased yield of crops should the parts per million continue to increase. The concentration in 1850 has been estimated at about 235ppm.
This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 19 January 2024 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 19 January 2024 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
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