Scientists and developers are looking at new and largely unproven methods
as extreme weather and human activity degrade the world's arable land
[Liquid clay]
Some companies are injecting liquid clay to turn dry desert ground into green landscapes
It helps trap moisture, encouraging fruit to grow
Norway-based Desert Control has spent 18 years and $25 million developing liquid clay
Trial data showed that romaine lettuce hearts grew up to 53% larger
[Biochar]
Biochar is the burnt residue of plants and wood waste
It's an artificial means of creating a carbon-rich product to boost soils
Research has shown that clay soil treated with biochar emitted drastically less nitrous oxide
Some types of biochar increased yields up to 54% while requiring less fertilizer
[Fly larvae droppings]
'Frass' is the waste and skin of Black Soldier Fly larvae
Composted frass led to a 12% increase in plant-nourishing soil organic matter
which would otherwise decline over time, according to research by Nutrition Technologies
While most Malaysian fertilizer producers now sell frass
volumes are still too low to draw the attention of global agriculture companies