With the drought in California continuing to get worse, lots of possible solutions are popping up. From desalination plants to permaculture and holistic management, everyone seems to have an idea about how to fix the drought.
But, could a cactus farm be the solution?
Cacti are well known for being able to thrive in dry, harsh environments. They’re great at absorbing and storing water when it’s available while the waxy coating prevents evaporation. This could make a great, high water food for livestock.
Certain varieties can also be used to clean up contaminated water.
With 80 percent of the state’s water usage taken up by agricultural production, any savings that farmers make can have a significant impact on the overall drain of water supplies. Part of the cactus crop can be distributed to supermarkets and restaurants; part can be used as a cheap and effective water sanitation agent; and the rest can be used as animal fodder. It’s a multi-use crop that can grow with very little water.
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It may seem crazy, but a lot of brilliant ideas seem crazy at first. What do you think? Is cactus farming a real solution to the drought… or a dead end? Let us know in the comments!
Buy your own cactus here
