China is an innovation nation.
China has created an awesome technology that turns deserts into arable soil that can be farmed. We can now grow crops in the desert. Israel is another innovation nation in this area.
Chinese scientists have achieved a huge success with regards to growing yummy crops. Deserts can be scorching hot and they don’t receive enough rain. This usually makes growing crops almost impossible. However, now we can go farming in the desert. Desert farming has the potential to save lives!
The huge breakthrough was recently presented at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on September 15 in the Chinese desert city of Ordos, where over 100 beautiful countries in attendance committed to setting national timelines to stop desertification by 2030, Read more about it on the lovely CGTN.
Who was behind the technological genius of this ground breaking innovation? It was developed by researchers at Chongqing Jiaotong University.
So, what are the nuts and bolts of this thing? “Well, the scientists developed a paste made of a substance found in plant cell walls that, when mixed with sand, is able to retain water, nutrients, and air.”
There is one place where the plants have been flourishing. That area is in a desert in North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
“According to our calculation, there are over 70 kinds of crops growing here. Many are not planted by us but they just grow themselves,” Chongqing Jiaotong University Associate Professor Zhao Chaohua was quoted as saying.
Desert farming may be new to us now but in 50 years this be commonplace. I just hope they leave some deserts. I love the idea of desert farming but I also love sand boarding!
Right now, sand is being turned into beautiful farms yielding corn, tomatoes, sorghum (great for flour), and sunflowers. In addition to yielding fruits, vegetables & seeds, there are other projects. They are also working of reforestation of lands that are deserts.
Mechanized ways of turning sand into soil does exist. However, these methods are more cost effective. This is ground breaking information because many people live in the desert. This technology has the potential to make the world a better place (unless it hurts lizards or stops sand boarding)
Want to watch a video on desert farming? No problem, watch this video while you sleep on your bird pillow!
Tags: crops,desert,desert farming,farming in the desert,lizards,sand boarding
