Toyota's Meticulously Manicured Grass Saga Unveiled
In an unexpected turn, Toyota, renowned for its automotive prowess, has ventured into the world of agriculture with the development of a new variety of Zoysia tenuifolia called TM9. This low-growing grass, barely reaching 5 cm in height, is set to revolutionize urban green spaces and contribute significantly to decarbonization efforts.
TM9's primary advantage lies in its reduced maintenance requirements. Compared to conventional grass, TM9 requires less frequent mowing, saving energy and resources associated with lawn care equipment. Moreover, TM9's watering needs are also diminished, leading to less consumption and a positive impact in urban areas grappling with water scarcity.
These reductions in maintenance translate to lower costs and environmental impact. Less fuel, water, and labour are needed to keep TM9 lawns looking green, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for urban green spaces.
TM9 offers additional benefits beyond its low maintenance. It helps alleviate the heat island effect by drastically reducing ground temperatures when used instead of asphalt in green spaces. This cooling effect is crucial for urban areas prone to high temperatures.
Moreover, TM9 contributes to air quality improvement by absorbing carbon dioxide on a scale similar to large trees. Furthermore, it can sequester CO2 in the soil, working hard for the environment even when trampled underfoot.
In line with sustainable urban development goals, TM9 also promotes biodiversity and urban cooling effects. It can be grown on rooftops and the walls of buildings, expanding possibilities for decarbonizing urban areas.
TM9's development is a testament to Toyota's long-standing commitment to fundamental biotech-related research. Since the late 1980s, Toyota has been engaged in research aimed at using plants to clean the air.
Makoto Naruse, a Senior Expert in the Agriculture & Biotechnology Business Dept., was initially surprised to find such a unit at Toyota. Naruse, who draws on his years of experience at Toyota's manufacturing plants, aimed to improve agricultural tasks to make life easier for farmers, focusing on reducing waste.
Naruse spent 18 months growing vegetables in Gifu Prefecture to gain firsthand experience in agriculture. His efforts bore fruit with TM9, a grass variety that not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also promotes urban sustainability.
TM9 has already been used in notable projects, such as the Japanese gardens covering some 700 m of Chubu Centrair International Airport grounds and the rooftop greenery of the Toyota Group Pavilion at Expo 2005 Aichi.
By reducing greenhouse gas emissions from lawn mowers powered by fossil fuels, cutting water consumption, and promoting urban cooling and air quality improvement, TM9 supports quieter, more sustainable urban green spaces. Its adoption could lead to lower operational carbon emissions, maintenance expenses, and a greener, more livable urban environment.
[1] Source: [Link to the original study or article] [3] Source: [Link to the original study or article]
- Toyota's innovative grass variety, TM9, not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions from lawn mowers, but also contributes to addressing climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, similar to large trees.
- In the realm of environmental science, TM9's development signifies a significant intersection of technology and the environment, demonstrating Toyota's commitment to sustainable urban development and combating climate change.
