Washington – American Farmland Trust and Sol Systems are working together on a new initiative that integrates the production of solar energy with sustainable agriculture. The initiative will concentrate on Kernza, a multi -year grain developed by means of intermediate wheatgrass that can be used in the production of bread and pastries and in brewing beer.
The initiative will be carried out at the Eldorado Phase II project of SOL Systems in Illinois and will include Kernza grain under solar panels. Developed by the Land Institute, Salina, Kan., Kernza crops have roots that extend 10 feet or more under the bottom surface, take up nutrients and water and deliver atmospheric carbon to the ground. The carbon creates organic matter that helps to maintain healthy soil. The Land Institute already offers one Multi -year percentage of product label For food or drink that contains at least 1% Kernza.
Through the project, SOL Systems, a clean energy company and AFT, a national organization that uses a holistic approach to agriculture, has aimed at providing data about the feasibility and benefits of cultivating multi -year crops such as Kernza in addition to the production of Solar energy. The initiative has three goals: conducting research to assess the technical viability of the production of Kernza on an operational solar energy on the utility company, improve soil and water quality and promote cooperation between researchers, solar developers and farmers around solar energy and to integrate agriculture.