March 2026 rang in as the warmest in history with a 48-state temperature of 50.85 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Yale Climate Connections. With temps on the rise, AtmoCooling is developing a way to protect crops. The company is currently testing a cooling system that alters the temperature and humidity of a field.
“You can grow the crops you want at the time of year you want without needing to worry about having the right weather,” says Paul Mahacek, CEO and co-founder of AtmoCooling.
The cooling system consists of a “tower” of pipes with misters connected to a pump that delivers the water. After the farmer programs temperature, humidity and vapor pressure deficit set points via AtmoCooling’s website, the system runs autonomously. Based on current testing in Yuma, Ariz., the technology can cool the crop by 5 to 10 degrees. However, trials in other countries have found as much as a 15 degree difference. The system uses the mist for evaporative cooling, sucking in the energy and cooling the air.
Cooling Technology Tested in World’s Sunniest City
The company is currently testing this system at the University of Arizona’s Agricultural Research Station in Yuma. The sunniest city in the world, Yuma averages 4,015.3 hours of sunshine a year, low humidity and around three inches of rain annually. In the summer, Yuma’s average temperature tops 99 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the ideal place for testing.
“We’re seeing these high heat events. This past January, we had a heat wave that came through and a lot of folks lost crops,” Mahacek explains. “We’re not talking about massive changes [using the AtmoCooling system], just slight alterations to give you some crop assurance.”
Currently growing broccoli and cabbage, which are usually planted during the winter time, the Yuma station is eager to see if this technology is a good fit for U.S. growers. The system can also be used for row crops, and has been used in Abu Dhabi as well.
“This crop may not see a drop of rain during its whole life cycle. If it works here then maybe it will work in several other places,” says Robert Masson, an associate ag Extension agent for Yuma County.
“Our climate is getting hotter and drier… finding new ways to utilize the resources we have is critical to the survival and continuation of our civilization,” Mahacek says .
From Antarctica to Arizona: Bringing Extreme Environment Tech to U.S. Farms
The technology uses irrigation water, continuous monitoring, ultrasonic wind sensing, temperature and humidity. The system itself will automatically adjust the spray on the towers based upon these elements. This allows for precise control of the downwind environment, ensuring the best outcome for the crops.
While this system is currently using irrigation water, it can also operate with saline water, sea water and brine.
Mahacek has worked throughout his career doing extreme environment work in the Arctic, Antarctica, Central America, the South Pacific and even space.
“Really finding new ways to grow things in extreme environments, this is one I’ve really enjoyed the most,” Mahacek shares.
The system is still undergoing trials. Once proven to work, AtmoCooling will begin making them available to farmers in the U.S.
