Overview
The EnTS Project is an effort to apply the latest advances in genetic engineering and applied systems ecology to produce a line of easy to use rapid afforestation kits (EnTS Box) tailored modularly for specific bioregions.
Genetic Engineering
We are currently investigating several genetic engineering methods for increasing the growth rate, total biomass, and CO2 sequestration that can be applied broadly to plant species including the following.
SBPase
Modification of several plant species for increased activity of SBPase has been shown to have the following effects.
- Increased CO2 assimilation
- Increased total biomass
- Increased total seed weight
See: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rstb.2016.0384
Manipulating PXY-Regulated Cell Division
Experiments have shown that the production of woody material and therefore carbon sequestration potential can be doubled by manipulating PXY-CLE pathway in some trees.
“Our data suggest that the PXY-CLE pathway functions in trees
to regulate secondary growth and is likely to be central to the way
in which trees evolved secondary growth. Together, the analysis
demonstrates that by engineering the PXY-CLE pathway, we
were able to dramatically increase secondary growth in plants
shortly after they were first rooted” – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982215001621
Applied Systems ecology
Soil ecosystem complexity
Forests require a vast community of soil microbes (Bacteria, fungus etc.) and plant species existing within a complex adaptive system to reach even there most modest potential. In order to cause the emergence of a forest system, one must consider not only the planting of trees but the shape of the land, the climate, microclimate and the health of an immeasurable diversity of macro and microbial life coexisting in symbiosis with each other. It is this community of organisms and their legacy of biogeochemical interactions that provide the foundation for a high degree of ecological ascendancy (system resilience and sustainability as a function of mobile biomass and chemical energy) and ultimately form the essential character of what a forest truly is.
For more information about systems ecology
The Miyawaki Method
The Miyawaki method is a process for rapidly planting forests which takes into consideration the legacy interdependence within complex forest ecosystems and the microclimates they maintain.
To begin, tree species are selected from ancient forests where seeds are collected, these seeds are than geminated and left to begin their life within the microclimate maintained by an established forest. These seedlings are then transplanted along with dense cultures of healthy soil microbiota to ensure the healthy emergence of a maximally resilient forest ecosystem.
The EnTS Box
The EnTS Box is a synthesis of genetic engineering and systems ecology ready for you to implement as a tool to fight climate change through afforestation.
When available each EnTS Box will contain EnTS seed, specially selected and modified for the task at hand, as well as living soil units which you will then combine and care for in preparation for transplant to their final destination and future as a thriving forest ecosystem.