At dawn, grain farmer Sheng Xincai plunged into his wheat fields. He wandered through the golden fields, beaming with joy at the heavy ears of wheat. Nearby, over a hundred solar-powered insect-killing lamps stood quietly, gleaming with a metallic luster in the sunlight. These "little guardians" are the key contributors to this year's bumper wheat harvest.
Last winter, when engineers were installing the solar-powered insect-killing lamps, Sheng Xincai kept wondering, "These lamps can keep away pests." The patient explanations from agricultural experts convinced him to give it a try. To prepare for this green pest control initiative, the Yangxin County Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau not only coordinated special funds to purchase equipment but also organized a team of experts to conduct multiple field visits. They tailored the installation plan based on the crop planting structure and pest habits of Jingtoushan.
On the day of installation, technicians walked farmers through the equipment setup: "The photovoltaic panels must face south for maximum charging efficiency; the grid voltage must also be checked regularly..." Soon, 108 insect-killing lamps were neatly arranged in the wheat field, like soldiers waiting to go to battle. At dusk, they automatically illuminated with a warm yellow light, like stars falling into the fields. Early in the morning of the first week, Sheng Xin checked the insect-collecting bags and was astonished by what he saw: "Wow! The bags are full of wheat aphids and armyworms! The effect is even better than in previous years."
Now, these insect-killing lamps have become the most dedicated "night owls" of the crops in the fields. During the day, their photovoltaic panels absorb sunlight, and at night, their built-in insect traps illuminate on time, attracting pests drawn to the light and swarming into their traps. When they touch the grid, they make a crackling sound. This has reduced pesticide use by 30% and alleviated soil compaction.
"Before, when we sprayed pesticides, the water in the ditches would change color. Now it's different," Sheng Xincai said with emotion. "There are more frogs in the fields, and even egrets often come to feed. The ecology is getting better and better."
The wheat fields have been bustling with activity these days. Combine harvesters shuttle back and forth among the waves of wheat, their roar echoing as rows of golden wheat fall to the ground. The grains are quickly separated, and the straw is pulverized and returned to the fields, becoming nutrients for the soil. Sheng Xincai stood by the field, watching the busy scene with a wide smile. Yield tests by relevant departments indicate that his family's wheat yield per mu is expected to exceed 800 kilograms, marking another bumper year.
