Meet black soil, affectionately known as the \"panda of farmland.\" This rich, humus-filled topsoil is celebrated globally for its exceptional fertility, making it indispensable for cultivating essential crops like rice, corn, soybeans, and sorghum.
Primarily located in the northeastern regions of the Chinese mainland, black soil plays a crucial role in grain production. Provinces such as Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning, along with the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, boast some of the world's most fertile black soil, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the global total.
Despite its agricultural significance, black soil is remarkably scarce, covering less than 7 percent of the Earth's land mass. Its formation is a slow and intricate process, taking between 200 to 400 years to develop just one centimeter of soil. This lengthy creation cycle underscores the importance of sustainable practices to preserve this invaluable resource.
As the global population grows and the demand for food increases, the preservation and efficient use of black soil become ever more critical. Innovations in sustainable farming and soil conservation are essential to ensure that this 'panda of farmland' continues to support future generations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
