Ep 23. Drought Balls

Innovation Nation season 2 episode 23 showcases the ingenious solution for one of the most pressing issues in drought-prone areas- the invention of Drought Balls.

The episode highlights the story of a group of students from Los Angeles who were inspired to create a solution for water conservation after learning about the severity of the drought in California. The students, observing the wastage of water through evaporation and run-off, decided to tackle the problem by introducing an innovative solution.

The students came up with the idea of 'Drought Balls,' small gelatinous balls that are mixed with soil and placed on top of the soil layer to prevent evaporation and reduce water runoff. The Drought Balls consist of hydrogel and organic binding agents that help retain moisture in the soil, release it slowly, and keep the soil moist for a more extended period, thus reducing the amount of water required for irrigation.

The episode showcases the manufacturing process of Drought Balls and how the students carried out a comprehensive field test to determine its effectiveness in conserving water. The team partnered with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and installed the Drought Balls in a park in Los Angeles. The experiment was a great success, and the results showed a 90% reduction in water runoff and nearly a 50% reduction in water usage.

The episode also discusses how the idea of using hydrogels in the agricultural industry is not a new concept and how Drought Balls can not only be used to conserve water in urban spaces but also in agricultural lands.

In addition to introducing the Drought Balls, the episode also features other innovative ideas, including a robot that can paint the walls of a high-rise building, a new technology that uses augmented reality to help firefighters battle blazes, and a unique algorithm that helps farmers optimize crop growth by sending data to their smartphones.

The episode emphasizes the importance of innovative solutions, especially in the face of global challenges like climate change. The story of the Drought Balls not only highlights the creative problem-solving skills of young minds but also demonstrates that even small actions like using hydrogels and making informed choices can go a long way in addressing larger problems like water scarcity.

Overall, Season 2, Episode 23 of Innovation Nation is an insightful, informative, and inspiring account of the ingenuity of young minds working towards a more sustainable future.