Unveiling the Hidden Secrets of Toyota's Pristine Lawns
In the world of sustainable solutions, Toyota has been making strides in various areas, particularly in the realm of urban decarbonization. While the company is well-known for its automotive technologies and clean energy vehicles, its research into plant-based air purifiers and low-growing grasses for decarbonizing urban areas is not as widely discussed.
One of Toyota's lesser-known projects is the TM9, initiated in 2000. This project centred around the development of a new variety of Zoysia tenuifolia, named TM9. This low-growing grass, reaching only about 5 cm in height, has shown promising results in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to conventional Zoysia grass, TM9 emits less N2O, a potent greenhouse gas.
TM9 grass also offers benefits for the environment. By absorbing CO2 and storing it in the soil, TM9 lawns contribute to carbon sequestration, a process similar to that of forests. Moreover, the short stature of TM9 reduces the frequency of mowing, making it easier to maintain and resulting in fewer grass clippings. This leads to lower emissions from lawn mower fuels.
Another advantage of TM9 lawns is their ability to retain more nutrients in the leaves, requiring less fertilizer. Using less fertilizer in TM9 lawns reduces CO2 emissions related to the manufacturing process. Makoto Naruse, a senior expert in Toyota's Agriculture & Biotechnology Business Department, aims to standardize fertilizer usage in agriculture through the Toyota Production System, aiming to improve work efficiency and crop quality.
While Toyota's research related to plant-based air purifiers and low-growing grass for decarbonizing urban areas is not extensively detailed in the available search results, it is clear that the company is committed to finding sustainable solutions. Greening spaces with grass instead of asphalt can help reduce ground temperatures and alleviate the heat island effect, contributing to a greener and more sustainable urban environment.
In summary, while Toyota's known research and development focus remains primarily in automotive technologies and clean energy vehicles, the company's initiatives in low-growing grasses like TM9 for urban decarbonization are an exciting area to watch. As research continues, we may see Toyota making significant strides in this field, furthering their commitment to a greener future.
In the realm of environmental science and lifestyle, Toyota's research into low-growing grasses like TM9 indicates a foray beyond automotive technology and clean energy vehicles. The TM9 grass, with its ability to absorb CO2 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, also intertwines with technology through the potential standardization of fertilizer usage in agriculture.
