Indeed, the qanats were a marvel of ancient engineering. They tapped into underground aquifers and channeled water gently downhill through a series of shafts and tunnels, keeping the flow slow and reducing evaporation. The key lessons for modern sustainable agriculture are: use gravity to minimize energy use, harvest water from underground sources, and design systems that let the water warm slowly, improving nutrient uptake. If we replicate those principles—careful placement of channels, maintenance of natural flow rates, and protection of the aquifers—we could reduce water loss and keep our soils healthier, just as the Persians did centuries ago.