Chinese scientists have successfully turned reaped corn stalks into fertilizer to upgrade black soil under threat of degradation.

The black soil zone in northeast China is ranked with similar zones in the Ukraine and the central United States as one of the world most fertile areas. However, it has suffered from degradation and the quality of crops grown here has deteriorated.

In order to improve the sustainable production capacity in the once high-yield area, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) launched an experimental corn program in Jilin Province in 1999.

Based on theoretical analysis and tests, scientists with the Northeast Geography and Agricultural Ecology Institute under the CAS have found that corn stalks used as fertilizer can effectively replace nutrients taken away by crops.

Besides improving the ecology, the project also has increased production.

Meanwhile, agricultural experts have developed corn growing technologies from sampling seeds to weeding and watering to improve quality and output.

The environmental program is expected to be applied across the Northeast Plain soon.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2002)