Chinese scientists have developed a new technology to improve the
soil structure and permeability of saline land, making it possible
to fully use the country's Songnen Plain, one of the world's major
saline lands.
After three years of research, scientists with the Chinese Academy of
Sciences found that slightly salt water could be used to
increase the aeration and texture of salinized soil.
After the treatment, high-yield grain crops like corn, beans,
spring wheat and cabbage could be planted, they said.
Compared with fresh water, the slightly salt water is more
effective in reducing the content of salt and alkalis in soil.
Initiated in 1999, the program was conducted by the Northeast China
Institute of Geography and Agricultural Ecology affiliated to the
academy. The research group is comprised of experts on physical
geography, agrology, plant protection, hydrology and stock
breeding.
Pilot programs have been conducted in 10 villages and townships of
Da'an City in Jilin
Province and have succeeded in raising grain output.
With 56 million mu (3.7 million hectares) of saline and
alkaline land, the Songnen Plain situated between the Songhua and
Nenjiang rivers in northeast China is also often plagued by
drought.
(Xinhua News
Agency August 13, 2002)