There’s a better end for used food than taking up space in landfills and contributing to global warming.
There’s a better end for used food than taking up space in landfills and contributing to global warming.
UC Riverside scientists have discovered fermented food waste can boost bacteria that increase crop growth, making plants more resistant to pathogens and reducing carbon emissions from farming.
“Beneficial microbes increased dramatically when we added fermented food waste to plant growing systems,” said UCR microbiologist Deborah Pagliaccia, who led the research. “When there are enough of these good bacteria, they produce antimicrobial compounds and metabolites that help plants grow better and faster.”
Since the plants in this experiment were grown in a greenhouse, the benefits of the waste products were preserved within a closed watering system. The plant roots received a fresh dose of the treatment each time they were watered.
Read more at University of California - Riverside
Image: Graphic depicting the need to turn food waste back into food. (Credit: Deborah Pagliaccia/UCR)
