Turning Saline Soils into Fertile Fields: China’s Rice Yields Soar
In the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, China, a remarkable agricultural transformation is taking place. “The soils are transformed, and the yield is raised,” declared Dr. Yang Jingsong, a researcher at the Institute of Soil Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Standing in the experimental rice fields of Zhaoyuan County, Dr. Yang witnessed firsthand the fruits of a year-long soil remediation project.
By applying innovative methods since September 2023, including the use of phosphogypsum and microbial fertilizers, the team has successfully converted saline-alkali soils into fertile farmland. The results are astounding. Rice varieties ‘Dongdao 122’ and ‘Tongze 861’ have yielded over 400 kilograms per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares), a significant leap from the meager 3.02 kilograms per mu produced by untreated land.
This breakthrough not only showcases the potential for increasing food production but also offers hope for utilizing vast tracts of previously unproductive land. Saline-alkali soils, rich in salts and alkali, pose a significant challenge for agriculture due to their adverse effects on crop growth. Transforming these soils can contribute significantly to food security.
For context, the nearby city of Wuchang, renowned for growing high-quality rice, reported yields of around 500 kilograms per mu for the famous ‘Daohuaxiang’ variety this year, according to the Economic Information Daily. The success in Zhaoyuan brings the yields of formerly barren lands closer to those of some of the most fertile regions.
The methods employed by Dr. Yang and his team involve balancing soil pH levels and improving soil structure, making it more conducive to rice cultivation. Phosphogypsum, a by-product of phosphate fertilizer production, helps to displace sodium ions in the soil, reducing salinity. Meanwhile, microbial fertilizers enhance soil fertility by promoting beneficial microbial activity.
As the world grapples with food security challenges, especially in the face of climate change and population growth, innovations like these are crucial. China’s efforts in transforming saline-alkali soils could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
Reference(s):
World Food Day: Turning salt-rich soils into fertile soils in China
cgtn.com
