Where water is scarce, the development of crop varieties that grow under conditions of low moisture or temporary drought could boost yields and lengthen the time that farmland is productive.

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The French electronics company Parrot just unveiled the Flower Power, a new gizmo that monitors the moisture, sunlight, humidity, temperature and fertilizer conditions of your houseplants.

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"It was tough conditions out there, especially early on with the new ball and the moisture in the pitch, but I have played in a few matches at the Waca where first-innings innings totals have been in the mid-200s so I don't think we are out of it altogether, " said the Western Australia player.

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Meteorologists say the dry conditions in the Midwest started with a lack of snow, which usually replenishes soil with moisture.

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Built to withstand the wide variety of shooting conditions enthusiasts face, the body of the D600 is sealed and gasketed against dirt and moisture.

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