Whether its forest fires or deforestation -- the trees are in grave danger, and by extension, us. However, a team of Canadian science and engineering graduates wish to plant a billion trees by 2028 with the help of drones.
They¡¯re calling this project ¡®Flash Forest¡¯. The technique they¡¯ve applied here is rather unique too. They¡¯re making use of heavy-lift drones that are going to be equipped with a pneumatic (gas-operated) firing device that will shoot out pods right into the soil.
These pods are a combination of three components -- pre-germinated seeds, mycorrhizae, fertilizers as well as a secret ingredient that apparently is loved by plants.
The seeds in these pods are already sprouted which allow for a successful growth pattern along with a strong rooting system.
These pods are special as they utilise less water compared to conventional planting methods.?
Once the pods are planted, the surface is treated with nitrogen and other nutrients with the help of -- you guessed it -- drones. They¡¯ve also got mapping drones that keep an eye on the growth of the trees and provide necessary data for taking crucial actions if necessary.
Flash Forest states, ¡°We started Flash Forest with the goal of offsetting carbon emissions enough to have a significant and measurable impact on climate change within the next decade. We work closely with botanists and forestry experts, and use multi-spectral mapping UAV technology to select ideal planting sites and provide valuable follow up data on ecosystem health.¡±
According to Flash Forest, their technology can plant trees 10 times faster than a single worker while also being 80 percent cheaper than traditional tree planting methods.
Flash Forest is currently looking to raise CAD 50,000 (around Rs 27 lakhs) through Kickstarter. The team currently seeks additional funding to purchase equipment that will help in boosting its production to make more seed pods.