As the planet reaches 9 billion people by 2050, technologies that reduce energy and water needs for farming will become increasingly important. A Silicon Valley startup called mOasis is working on materials that can help farmers produce more crops with less energy and water.

mOasis is developing something called a hydrogel, which generally refers to a type of polymer that is super absorbent because it’s able to form a tight bond with water molecules. Hyrdogels are used in everything from diapers to insulation for underground cables to materials for retaining water in soil in farming.

mOasis’ hydrogel can reduce the amount and cost of water use for farming by 30 percent while increasing the biomass – or size and weight – of a crop by 30 percent, said Susanna Kass, CEO of the Mountain View-based mOasis.

via Introducing a farm tech to reduce water and energy needs — Cleantech News and Analysis.