Groundwater recharge is a process where water moves downward from surface water into groundwater. This is the main way water enters an aquifer. The process usually happens in the area below plant roots and is often described as the flow of water to the top of the groundwater layer.
The water-energy connection describes how water is used to create energy, such as electricity and fuels like oil and natural gas, and how energy is needed to get water, clean it, move it, heat or cool it, treat it, and dispose of it. This process is sometimes called energy intensity. Energy is used in every step of the water cycle, including getting water, moving it, cleaning it, heating it, and handling wastewater.
Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is the process of collecting and storing rainwater instead of letting it flow away. Rainwater is gathered from surfaces like rooftops and directed into tanks, cisterns, deep pits (such as wells or boreholes), underground water storage, or reservoirs where it soaks into the ground to replenish groundwater. This method is different from stormwater harvesting because it typically collects runoff from rooftops and other surfaces for storage and later use.
Drip irrigation, also called trickle irrigation, is a special type of irrigation system that helps save water and nutrients by slowly releasing water directly to the roots of plants. This can be done from above the ground or below the soil. The purpose is to deliver water exactly where plants need it most and reduce water loss from evaporation.
In agriculture, holistic management is a method of managing resources that was created by Allan Savory to help manage grazing. This approach is sometimes compared to “a permaculture approach to rangeland management.” Holistic management is a registered trademark owned by Holistic Management International, which is no longer connected to Allan Savory. Many researchers have criticized this method, saying it does not deliver the benefits it promises.
Ernst Götsch, born in 1948, is a Swiss farmer and researcher who works mainly in Brazil. He supports an ancient method of farming called syntropic agriculture, which helps the environment and protects plant and animal life.
Silvopasture, which comes from the Latin word “silva” meaning forest, is a method that combines trees, plants that animals eat (called forage), and the raising of domesticated animals in a way that helps all parts of the system. It uses the idea of carefully managing how animals graze, and it is one type of agroforestry, which is a farming practice that includes trees. When managed well, silvopasture can be considered a way to help reduce the effects of climate change.
Agroforestry, also called agro-sylviculture or forest farming, is a way to manage land by growing trees together with crops or grass for animals. It mixes farming and tree-growing methods. As a system that uses many different plants and animals together, agroforestry can produce wood, fruits, nuts, other plants that can be eaten, mushrooms, plants used for medicine, plants that are grown for decoration, animals, and products from animals.
Algaculture is a type of aquaculture that involves growing different kinds of algae. Most algae that are farmed are microalgae, which are also called phytoplankton, microphytes, or planktonic algae. Macroalgae, which are commonly known as seaweed, are also used in many commercial and industrial ways.
Impossible Foods Inc. is a company that creates plant-based products to replace meat. The company’s most famous product is the Impossible Burger.