Wind turbines might help Midwest crops, research finds

AMES, Ia. (Reuters) - Wind turbines in Midwestern rural areas could help nearby corn and soybean plants flourish, according to new research.

The giant turbine blades, which generate electricity from wind power, may help corn and soybean crops stay cooler and dryer, help them defend against fungal infestations and improve their ability to extract growth-enhancing carbon dioxide from the air and soil, an Iowa State University scientist said in an interview on Monday.

"The turbulence resulting from wind turbines may speed up natural exchange processes between crop plants and the lower atmosphere," said Gene Takle, ISU professor of agricultural meteorology. He conducted the study this past summer along with University of Colorado at Boulder assistant professor Julie Lundquist.

The team stresses that the early findings have yet to definitely establish whether or not wind turbines are beneficial to the health and yield potential of soybean and corn crops planted nearby.

"We anticipate the impact of wind turbines to be subtle," said Takle. But he said that in certain years and under certain circumstances, the effects could be "significant."

"When you think about a summer with a string of 105-degree days, extra wind turbulence from the turbines might be helpful," Takle said.

Takle said the extra drying effect caused by the turbines might not be good if there is a drought. Research is continuing.

(Writing by Mary Wisniewski, editing by Greg McCune)