China Develops Cyanobacteria Method to Turn Desert Sand Fertile
Scientists have developed a method to artificially cultivate biological soil crusts, essentially a “living skin” for deserts, using lab-grown microbes. These crusts, formed by ancient cyanobacteria and their sticky sugars, bind loose sand, creating a stable surface that prevents wind erosion. This strengthened soil base allows time for planting shrubs and grasses, facilitating desert restoration and offering a significant reduction in soil loss, as demonstrated by a 59-year record of desert recovery in China. While promising, the effectiveness of this technique is contingent on local environmental conditions and protection from further disturbances.
John Q. Hosedrinker