Chinese Researchers Turn Desert Sand Into Fertile Soil In Just 10 Months Using Cyanobacteria

The researchers at the Shapotou Desert Experimental Research Station in China have developed a revolutionary approach for reversing desertification and converting barren, shifting sand into productive land within only 10 months. Using cyanobacteria, which are specialised, photosynthetic microorganisms, the researchers have created biological soil crusts that form a living layer on the surface of the dunes that continually shift. When the biological soil crusts are dispersed and applied onto the sand, they cause the cyanobacteria to secrete glue-like substances based on sugars that act to bind the individual grains of sand into a stable, solid mass. This process significantly reduces the time necessary for natural soil formation since it rapidly increases the levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. As a result, these biological soil crusts stabilise the sand on the desert floor and maintain moisture in the sand, thus providing a cost- effective, environmentally sustainable basis for successful plant growth in extreme, dry environments across the globe. This innovative biotechnological strategy in China offers a transformative, scalable solution for restoring degraded ecosystems and enhancing global food security efforts. Research team in China transforms desert sand into fertile soil in 10 months Cyanobacteria are microorganisms that can be grown […]

Go to News Site