Chinese scientists convert sand into fertile soil
Q. Chinese scientists have found a way to convert sand into ______ which can be used to fight desertification.- Published on 06 Sep 16a. Fertile soil
b. Humus
c. Loam
d. None of the above
ANSWER: Fertile soil
Chinese scientists have converted sand into fertile soil using a new method which can be used to fight desertification.
- Researchers from Chongqing developed a paste of plant cellulose that when added to sand helps it to retain water, nutrients and air.
- A 1.6 hectare sandy plot in Ulan Buh Desert, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, north China has been transformed into fertile land, yielding rice, corn, tomatoes, watermelon and sunflowers after being treated with a new method.
- New method will turn desert areas into ideal habitat for plants
- Plants in the sandy test plot need about the same amount of water as those grown in regular soil, but required less fertiliser and bore higher yields according to estimates by experts.
- Since 2013, scientists have been experimenting with outdoor cultivation at two sites with areas of 550 and 420 square metres in Chongqing where scientists simulated desert landform conditions.
- According to scientists, plants have survived the heavy rains and temperature, marking the typical climate conditions in Chongqing.
- Crops including rice, corn, and potatoes flourished in the newly converted soil.
