Nature's Engineers in the Fight Against Desertification

Researchers have discovered that biological soil crusts, found in grass grid sand barriers, effectively stabilize shifting desert sands. These "desert ecosystem engineers" play a crucial role in preventing desertification, restoring ecosystems, and maintaining biodiversity. Their presence indicates surface stability and ecosystem recovery in deserts.

While natural formation takes decades, researchers have developed artificial blue-green algae crusts that form within two to three years. This is possible thanks to grass grids that reduce wind speed and prevent sand movement, creating a haven for micro-organisms.

Blue-green algae are incredibly resilient, thriving in extreme conditions. Researchers have identified seven species with exceptional adaptability to desert environments.

Artificial biological soil crusts have been instrumental in China's sand-control efforts, particularly along the Yellow River. The Kubuqi Desert project, China's largest individual-scale photovoltaic desert control project, generates 4.1 billion kilowatt-hours of green electricity annually, saving 1.23 million metric tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 3.19 million tons each year.

The Kubuqi project exemplifies the integration of photovoltaic power generation and desert control. The panels reduce water evaporation and wind speeds, fostering a more favorable environment for plant growth.

Implementing such projects in desolate deserts is challenging. In Kubuqi, hundreds of bulldozers leveled the sand dunes before installing the 4.4 million photovoltaic panels. Reeds played a crucial role in windbreak and sand fixation, while drones scattered seeds of grasses and shrubs.

The project incorporates innovative technologies like dual-sided power generation, boosting electricity generation by 10%. Workers have also planted crops and raised livestock under the panels.

The Kubuqi project demonstrates China's commitment to sustainable development, harnessing renewable energy while combating desertification and fostering ecological restoration.