# Growing Rice in the Desert Nanotech Sand Preserves Water By Michael Plishka | Published 2009-02-18 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/growing-rice-in-the-desert-nanotech-sand-preserves-water References: [xpress4me](http://www.xpress4me.com/news/uae/abudhabi/20011769.html) The image of water flowing through one’s fingers like sand is a powerful image for those in parched desert lands. Water is valuable and the inability to hold onto it can drive one to tears. However, thanks to a new nanotechnology, sand will no longer be used as a metaphor for loss of water. By treating the surface of each particle of sand with a special nano-coating, the sand is rendered hydrophobic -- it repels water. The result is that instead of water running through the sand, the sand actually forms a barrier to water and prevents its penetration. By layering this sand beneath top soils, water is saved and forms a reservoir from which the roots of plants can drink - even in a desert. In test fields on the Arab Peninsula, the super-sand is showing great promise. With new hydrophobic sand in place, traditional watering of desert plants five or six times a day can be reduced to one watering, saving 75 per cent more water, a [precious resource that is dwindling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-from-air) across the Arab Peninsula. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 26% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Hydrophobic Sand:** The development and use of hydrophobic sand as a water-saving solution presents an opportunity for sustainable agriculture in arid regions. - **Nanotechnology:** Advancements in nanotechnology enable the coating of sand particles, offering innovative solutions for water conservation. - **Water-saving Techniques:** The implementation of water-saving techniques, such as hydrophobic sand, can address the challenge of water scarcity in desert environments. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Agriculture:** The agriculture industry can explore the use of hydrophobic sand to improve water efficiency and enable sustainable farming practices in arid regions. - **Nanotechnology:** The nanotechnology industry can leverage advancements in nano-coating to create innovative solutions for various sectors, including water conservation. - **Water Management:** The water management industry can adopt and integrate hydrophobic sand as a disruptive innovation to optimize water usage and mitigate water scarcity challenges. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rain-Collecting Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bpas-architects.md) - [Sand-Based Electric Batteries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polar-night-energy.md) - [Tire-Crafted Solar Stills](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floating-solar-still.md) - [Fire-Preventing Coatings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanoscale-coating.md) - [Sustainable Sand-Filled Toilets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandi-toilet.md) - [Hydro-Positive Microhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-on-groundwater.md) - [Drinking Water Home Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atmospheric.md) - [Fluorescent Nano Fertilizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nano-fertilizer.md) - [Water-Activated Book Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dehydrating-book.md)