In recent years, scientists have increasingly focused their attention on greenhouses to enhance their benefits. Previously, I wrote about innovations such as solar windows integrated into greenhouses to simultaneously produce green energy. These structures are no longer just places for plants; people have even started building their homes inside them.
The importance of greenhouses is perhaps best understood by farmers who, in recent years, have faced high temperatures, droughts, and extreme precipitation, including hailstorms. Food security has become one of the most urgent issues requiring solutions. Often, one problem doesn’t come alone—it is accompanied by others. Here, it is also about population growth, which necessitates increased food supply.
Many scientists advocate the theory that population growth is not the main reason for food supply crises but rather improper food management. I would add human negligence and lack of awareness. Regardless, climate change, population growth, negligence, and unawareness are creating a significant challenge, the consequences of which we might feel even more acutely in the near future.
For these reasons, greenhouses are becoming increasingly important. Although they are already widespread and not a new concept, ongoing efforts are focused on their improvement.
Scientists have developed a coating that enhances greenhouse efficiency, especially in areas with insufficient sunlight. This coating uses luminescent materials capable of redirecting light, allowing better utilization of solar rays.
To clarify, luminescent materials are substances that can absorb light energy and then emit it as light, as if they possess the ability to glow. This process boosts plant growth in less favorable conditions.
A key material in this coating is Eu³⁺-controlled polyoxotitanate, which can be easily incorporated into water-based acrylic paint. Besides being free of harmful chemicals, the coating allows more natural light to penetrate, reducing the need for additional artificial lighting, which requires electricity.
In their initial experiment, scientists demonstrated that the coating significantly increases plant dry mass by nine percent. For clarification, plant dry mass represents the weight of a plant after all water has been removed. This measurement is often used in agriculture to evaluate plant growth and productivity.
The issue of food security is becoming an increasingly prevalent topic in modern society, emphasizing the need for sustainable agriculture as the foundation for the future. Principles of regenerative agriculture, the use of natural fertilizers, innovations such as advanced greenhouses, and other solutions are no longer optional but necessary steps. These approaches will significantly determine not only how we produce food but also the quality of life for future generations.
