![]() There are many issues in the world right now, one of which being water conservation. There is a lack of water in many parts of the world, and because all humans depend on water to live, it’s crucial to conserve it as much as possible. A big issue with water conservation is the lack of water for watering crops. Farmers in low-water environments all over the world have issues with conserving water, however a special product called Solid Rain might be able to solve the issue of water conservation. Solid Rain, a product developed by a Mexican chemical engineer name Sergio Rico Velasco. He created a special type of powder including a starch-based product called “potassium polyacrylate,” which helps retain water. When mixed with water, the powder turns into a thick clear gel, effectively creating an underground reservoir for a plant’s roots to draw upon when needed. This means that farmers don’t need to water their plants as often. The powder can last up to ten years, making it very effective. Farmers using Solid Rain have increased their crop yields by an average of 300%. Frank Torres, a Mexican green bean farmer, says that the best thing about Solid Rain is that “nutrients weren’t washed away every time we watered the plants.” Solid Rain won the 2013 “Ecology and Environment Award,” and was nominated twice for Stockholm International Water Institute’s “Global Water Award.” It is an up and coming product in the world right now, even though it was invented ten years ago. It could be the best thing to conserve water. However, there has been some speculation over whether or not Solid Rain is a legitimate product. First of all, there is no scientific proof that the product can last up to ten years. Also, many scientists believe that once the gel dries out, it could absorb all surrounding water and even drain the water from the roots of plants. These are some reasons why Solid Rain hasn’t become a household name or product. I think that Solid Rain could really help the world. California is still in a drought right now, and this product could really help bring in more crops. However, I do think it should be tested more just to make sure that it doesn’t act in reverse once the gel dries out. Source: http://www.dogonews.com/2016/9/16/can-solid-rain-help-alleviate-the-worlds-water-woes
3 Comments
Ansa Schmulbach
9/19/2016 08:42:25 am
This is so interesting, and a useful invention/discovery! It's good to hear your own personal opinion on the article. Well done!
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Chelsea
9/19/2016 02:10:37 pm
I love this article! It is so interesting. And the way you put your own comments in the end of the article is also good! :P But I wonder if the solid rain would cause any harm to the plants.
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