At the heart of Northeast China's agricultural belt lies its famed black soil—once the world's most fertile foundation, yet vulnerable to degradation after years of intensive cultivation.
As the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025) draws to a close later this year, China has restored over 400 million mu (about 26.67 million hectares) of black soil nationwide. Farmers have embraced three key sustainable methods:
- No-till farming: Eliminating plowing preserves soil structure, reduces erosion, and retains moisture.
- Straw return: Crop residues are reincorporated into fields, enriching the earth with organic matter and boosting nutrient cycles.
- Protective cultivation: Cover crops and mulching shield the soil surface from harsh weather and weeds, supporting biodiversity.
These approaches have rejuvenated China's farmland, helping to sequester carbon, stabilize ecosystems, and enhance food production. For tech-savvy entrepreneurs and sustainability advocates, this large-scale effort highlights the power of combining science-driven practices with policy support to address global food security challenges.
As pressure mounts to feed a growing population amid climate shifts, China's black soil revival offers a blueprint for nations worldwide—and a call to action for the next generation of changemakers to invest in our planet's most vital resource: healthy soil.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
