by Matteo Cavallito<\/p>\n
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The distribution of seeds in the soil can be done by air through the use of drones<\/strong> and appropriate man-made carriers, according to researchers at Carnegie Mellon University<\/strong> in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who, in recent months, came up with a solution called E-seed, a “bio-inspired” device designed on the model of cycutaria (Erodium) seeds.<\/p>\n The seeds, a statement<\/a> from the U.S. university points out, sit inside a thin stem wrapped around itself. “During rain or high humidity, the corkscrew-like stalk unwinds and twists the seed<\/strong> into the soil, where it can take root and is safe from hungry birds and harsh environmental conditions.”<\/p>\n Made from a thin layer of white oak, the seed vector developed by scientists works in the same way. Unlike its natural counterpart, however, the stalk has not one but three tails<\/strong>, which together help maintain its vertical position in the soil. According to the researchers, the vectors – whose transport is entrusted to drones<\/strong> – can also be used to distribute fertilizer, fungi and nematodes<\/a>.<\/p>\n That is, those tiny invertebrates<\/strong> that feed on microorganisms by taking up excess nutrients from them, which are then released into the soil<\/strong> to benefit plants.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n “Seed burial has been heavily studied for decades in terms of mechanics, physics and materials science, but until now, no one has created an engineering equivalent,”” said Lining Yao<\/strong>, professor at Carnegie Mellon University. “The seed carrier research has been particularly rewarding because of its potential social impact.”<\/p>\nThe seeds carrier<\/h5>\n