EmbeddingGemma 2: an open, lightweight multimodal embedding model
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
MIT Technology Review·Sep 3·5 min read
Agriculture relies on fossil fuels. It’s costing us.
TL;DR
Rising fossil fuel prices, particularly natural gas, are driving up fertilizer costs, impacting farmers globally. The conflict in Iran exacerbates these issues, affecting trade routes and access to fertilizers.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider investing in or researching alternative fertilizers to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Key Takeaways
- Monitor fertilizer price trends to anticipate costs.
- Explore microbial fertilizers as a sustainable alternative.
- Advocate for policies supporting alternative fertilizer research.
- Stay informed about geopolitical events affecting agriculture.
How It Works
Microbial fertilizers utilize genetically edited microbes to provide nitrogen directly to plants, reducing the need for traditional synthetic fertilizers that rely on fossil fuels.