Ecological grass-ranch experiment in Hulunbeir prairie

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2016-08-04

Two researchers measure cultivation conditions of the artificial turf on July 29. [Photo by Jin Liwang/Xinhua News]

An experimental zone for ecologic grass-ranching has been cultivated in the Hulunbeir prairie area since the second half of 2015.

The concept of an "ecologic grass-ranch" was submitted to the State Council by Fang Jingyun, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)'s botany institute, and was included in the 2015 central first document and the government report.

The core technology and goal is to establish intensive artificial grassland in less than 10% hydrothermal soil. With this approach production of high-quality grass will increase by 10 to 15 times, which can resolve problems of overgrazing livestock.

The zone also intends to protect and restore over 90 percent of natural turf to enhance the ecological barrier and create a boom in local tourism.

Over 200 researchers and experts from more than 20 CAS institutes such as those of botany, geography and genetics have participated in this project. The experimental zone is currently under construction by CAS and Hulunbeir Reclamation Corporation.

An ecological grass ranch that can be used for demonstration and popularization purposes is projected to be established in the experimental zone within three years.