Saving water in the driest place on Earth ⏲️ 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of 6 Minute English, Neil and Beth discuss the global water crisis and its impact on agriculture. They introduce a new technology by Desert Control that uses liquid clay to transform sandy desert soil into a water-retaining sponge, aiding farming in arid regions like Yuma, USA. The technology is claimed to reduce water usage by half and is cost-effective in the long run. However, concerns about the long-term effects of manipulating nature with such techniques are raised. The episode also covers vocabulary related to soil, water management, and the potential future implications of new agricultural methods.

Takeaways

• 💧 Human bodies require approximately three liters of water daily for drinking, cooking, and washing.
• 🌍 Over two billion people, about a quarter of the global population, live in water-stressed countries.
• 🌱 Water scarcity affects agriculture, which consumes 70% of the world's fresh water, making efficient water use crucial.
• 🏜️ Yuma, one of the driest places in the USA, is experiencing its worst drought in 500 years, impacting farming practices.
• 🌿 Liquid clay technology is being used in Yuma to help farmers grow fruit and vegetables by turning sandy soil into a water-retaining sponge.
• 🔬 The technology involves a liquid mixture of clay and water that changes soil composition and promotes quicker tree growth.
• 💸 While the liquid clay method costs around $2000 per acre, it is claimed to reduce water usage by half and offers a return on investment within two years.
• ♻️ The liquid clay technique does not use chemicals, relying only on clay, air, and water to enhance soil quality.
• 🤔 There are concerns about the long-term effects of manipulating nature through soil technology, with the outcome being uncertain.
• 🎭 The phrase 'only time will tell' is used to express that the true impact of new technologies on the environment will be known in the future.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the 6 Minute English program?

The main topic discussed is the use of liquid clay technology to help farmers grow crops in water-stressed areas, specifically in Yuma, USA.

How much water does the human body need daily according to the script?

The human body needs around three litres of water a day.

What percentage of the world's fresh water supply is used by agriculture?

Agriculture uses a massive 70% of the world's fresh water supply.

What is the name of the company that works with date farmers in Yuma?

The company that works with date farmers in Yuma is called Desert Control.

What is the primary function of the liquid created by Ole Sivertson's company?

The liquid created by Ole Sivertson's company turns sandy desert soil into a sponge that holds water and nutrients.

What is the modern use of clay mentioned in the script?

One modern use of clay is for smoothing facial skin, as in a clay mask or mud pack.

What is the cost of using liquid clay technology per acre?

The cost of using liquid clay technology is around $2000 an acre.

What is the claim made by Ole regarding the water usage of his technique?

Ole claims that his technique halves the amount of water needed to grow fruit trees.

What is the term for the process of removing liquid from something?

The term for the process of removing liquid from something is 'to drain'.

What does the phrase 'only time will tell' imply in the context of the script?

The phrase 'only time will tell' implies that the long-term effects of using liquid clay technology are uncertain and will only be known in the future.

What is the meaning of the term 'to manipulate' as used in the script?

In the script, 'to manipulate' means to skillfully use or control something, in this case, the soil.