SUCCESS STORY AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS WORKING TECHNIQUES 17

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AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS WORKING TECHNIQUES - Transform Alkalized/Salinized Soils by Planting Salt-Resistance Species

SUCCESS STORY TKWB
Technique:AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS WORKING TECHNIQUES
Project:Transform Alkalized/Salinized Soils by Planting Salt-Resistance Species
Site:Ulan Buh Desert, Inner Mongolia

Location

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Continent: Asia
Country: China
Site: Inner Mongolia
Coordinates:
Lat.: 44.00''
Long.: 113.00''

Brief introduction

Taking the pilot project on introduction of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica on the salinized soil in the irrigated area of Ulan Buh Desert as an example. This species is native to Honghuaerji of eastern Inner Mongolia and it has been introduced to the mentioned salinized region for more than 15 years.

Problems, causes and effects

This species is native to Honghuaerji of eastern Inner Mongolia and it has been introduced to the mentioned salinized region for more than 15 years. The project site is characterized by lack of precipitation, frequent winds, strong evapotranspiration, and unwise flood irrigation with Yellow River water and secondary salinization. 

 In April 1982, three-year old seedlings of the species were transplanted on the salinized soil as the first step, and then trenches in a width of 1.5 metres and a depth of 1 metre to drain off salt were dug; legume grasses (sweet clover) were sown as green manure and plastic mulches were spaced to enable the growth of the tree since the second year of the plantation.

Solutions/Project description

The techniques for transforming alkalized/salinized soils include:

(1) Selection and introduction of salt-resistant species as the pioneer varieties for improving unfertilized soils;

(2) Preparation of trenches to develop a drainage system to reduce the salt concentration on soil surface; tree and shrub species that can grow in alkalized/salinized soils, such as Populus Euphratica, Calligonum klementzii, Tamarix spp., Haloxylon spp., Salix spp., Elaeagunus spp. were widely tested and they are successful for planti

Conclusions

As a result, the bole diametre of the plant was 6.98 cm and the mean height was 4.25 metres; the soil salinity dropped from 0.26% to 0.11%. The results of the pilot project shown that Pinus sylvesttric var. mongolica grew slowly if the salt concentration is as high as 0.17%. The experiment on the salt concentration in the newly reclaimed sand soil was 0.12% and therefore, this tree could be adopted to make afforestation on the salinized soil.

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TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUE DATA

Technique
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS WORKING TECHNIQUES
Icon
Cathegory
B - Agriculture
Identification code
B12
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Author:
Alanna Gerardi
Reference:
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