Article: New algae system helps Arizona farmers grow better crops with less water
A new technology Arizona State University is analyzing and promoting has combined [Ed Curry’s] love for spice and conservation.
“On the farm we have a saying: Make more crop per drop,” said Curry, who founded Curry Seed & Chile Co. in 1976 and is a member of Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ Water Policy Council. “Our goal here is to cut our water usage whenever we can.”
Curry said he cut about 50% of his water usage in the 1990s by going to a drip system. More recently, he estimates he’s cut another 10% through a new soil service.
ASU and MyLand, a Phoenix-based soil health company, demonstrated how soil health innovation can drive measurable water conservation at Curry’s farm at an event on May 14. This is achieved by using live, native microalgae to improve soil so that farmers like Curry can achieve greater water efficiency, increased yields and reduced environmental impact.
With more than 900,000 acres of irrigated farmland in Arizona, the potential for large-scale impact is significant.