That was a year ago, I wonder how things are progressing. Permaculturalists also claim some success at greening the desert.
Adding hydrophillic materials to sand does help it mimic soil's water retention, which is superior to sands rapid draining and release of moisture. The plants still need water. A dry area, even with soil treatments, will not magically grow plants without adequate water. This is real nice PR put out to make the world see China as further evolved technologically than they actually are.
A dry area, even with soil treatments, will not magically grow plants without adequate water.
Whether 'adequate' water is available may depend crucially on the soils water retention. I haven't bothered to research it, but I agree it could just be shallow PR.
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