A study has found wind turbines located in the fields of farms in the USA’s Midwest may be providing more benefits than just generating clean electricity – the plants could be benefiting as well.
Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory and the University of Colorado announced last month initial findings of their study in how wind turbines on farmlands interact with surrounding crops.
According to Ames Laboratory associate and agricultural meteorology expert Gene Takle, the researchers are confident that wind turbines do produce measurable effects on the microclimate near plantings.
The slow-moving turbine blades push air downwards, bathing the crops below in the increased airflow created. The research suggests this air movement may be helping corn and soybean plants stay cooler and dryer during the warmer months, assisting in fending off fungal infestations and improving their ability to pluck carbon dioxide from the air and soil.
In the winter time, turbulence stirs the lower layer of air and keeps night-time temperatures around the crops warmer; preventing damaging frosts from forming. This benefit could also extend growing seasons for certain plant species.
Stressing the findings are only preliminary, the researchers adapted a computer model used to understand trees and intend on developing a new model specific to wind turbines as they gather more data.
Mr. Takle says while he anticipates the impact of wind turbines to be subtle, in certain years and under certain circumstances the effects could be significant; for example, a drop of just a few degrees during extreme heat days of summer could be a big help for crops.
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