Researchers at the Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory are studying how wind turbines may be beneficial to nearby crops.
They speculate, for instance, that extra air turbulence likely speeds up the heat exchange between crops and the atmosphere, so crops stay slightly cooler during hot days. On cold nights, turbulence stirs the lower atmosphere and keeps nighttime temperatures around the crops warmer. As a result, wind turbines could possibly ward off early fall frosts and extend the growing season.
Other benefits of wind turbines could result from their effects on crop moisture levels. Extra turbulence may help dry the dew that settles on plants beginning in late afternoon, minimizing the amount of time fungi and toxins can grow on plant leaves. Additionally, drier crops at harvest help farmers reduce the cost of artificially drying corn or soybeans.
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