China

Northwestern China is pioneering a novel approach to combatting desertification with the development of a solid “seed” designed to rapidly establish biological soil crusts. This innovation, spearheaded by scientists at the Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station, offers a potentially transformative solution for stabilizing dunes and creating a foundation for vegetation growth in arid landscapes.

For decades, the relentless expansion of deserts has posed a significant environmental and economic challenge in China. Now, researchers are aiming to dramatically shorten the timeframe for desert sand fixation – from a century-long process to a more achievable three years – using this new technology. The core of this method lies in solidifying cyanobacteria, a type of blue-green algae, into a transportable and sowable “seed.”

The Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station, part of the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has been at the forefront of desertification control research for over 60 years. Founded in 1955, the station is strategically located at the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, providing a crucial research base for understanding and mitigating desert expansion. Learn more about the Shapotou Desert Experimental Research Station.

From Petri Dishes to the Desert: Overcoming Early Challenges

Initial attempts to introduce cyanobacteria directly into the desert environment proved unsuccessful. Even as the organisms thrived in laboratory settings, they quickly disappeared when transplanted to the harsh desert conditions. “Cyanobacteria thrived in petri dishes, but once transplanted to the wild, they disappeared completely within less than a week since the mobile sand grains end up ripping apart the delicate cyanobacteria biofilm,” explained Zhao Yang, deputy head of the Shapotou station.

Inspired by the natural process of rainfall, the team initially experimented with pressurized spraying, injecting the cyanobacteria into the gaps between sand grains. This method significantly reduced crust formation time – from 15 years under natural conditions to just one or two years – and achieved a survival rate exceeding 60 percent. This technique leveraged the sand’s natural water retention capabilities and protected the cyanobacteria from dehydration caused by direct sunlight. However, the reliance on electricity and accessible roads limited its application to certain areas.

The “Seed” Solution: Scaling Up Desert Rehabilitation

Recognizing the necessitate for a more versatile and scalable solution, the research team developed the solid “seed” – a paste-like inoculum created by mixing cyanobacteria solution with organic matter and fine particles. “The process is similar to mixing cement, requiring the optimal ratio and stirring method,” Zhao said. This innovation overcomes the logistical challenges of the spraying method, enabling broader application across even the most remote desert regions.

The development of artificial biological soil crusts is a significant advancement, building on previous research into accelerating the natural formation of these crusts. Researchers at the Shapotou station have also developed technology to substantially accelerate the formation of biological soil crusts using artificial blue-green algae, shortening the natural formation time from 10 to 20 years. Read more about transforming barren deserts into pockets of power.

National Program Integration and Future Impact

The solid inoculum has already been incorporated into the new Three-North Shelterbelt Program, a large-scale afforestation project aimed at combating desertification and soil erosion in northern China. The program anticipates rehabilitating approximately 80,000 to 100,000 mu (roughly 5,333 to 6,666 hectares) of desert land over the next five years. This initiative represents a major step forward in desertification control, offering a potentially replicable model for global land restoration efforts.

Beyond China, this technology could offer a valuable tool for addressing desertification challenges in other arid regions worldwide. The success of the Shapotou station’s research demonstrates the potential of bioengineering solutions to restore degraded ecosystems and improve land productivity. The station’s work also builds on decades of experience, beginning in the 1950s with efforts to protect China’s first railway line running through a desert. Innovative tools and technology contribute to sand control in NW China.

As the Three-North Shelterbelt Program progresses, continued monitoring and evaluation will be crucial to assess the long-term effectiveness of the solid inoculum and refine the application techniques. The ongoing research at the Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping the future of desertification control strategies, both in China and globally.

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