A research project for reviving degenerated pastureland in the Sanjiang headwater region has recently passed the appraisal check of a panel of experts entrusted by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The term of Sanjiang means three mighty rivers: the Yangtze, Yellow River and Lancang River (the up-stream of the Mekong River), all of whose mainstreams being originating from west China's Qinghai Province.

With the support from the National Key Technology R&D Program, the project, under the title of Vegetation-restoring Tests and Related Technology on the Typical Ecologically Degenerated Pasturelands on the Sanjiang Headwater Area, was implemented by scientists at the CAS Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology in Lanzhou.

In cooperation with the Provincial Academy of Livestock Veterinary Medicine, the CAS scientists have established a 200,000-square-meters experiment and demonstration zone for promoting vegetation revival on various tracts of the pastureland by integrating relevant agronomic practices and in line with the characteristics of the native floral populations and soil conditions.

Their work included the investigation of the seed banks on various soil conditions, the measurement of soil characteristics and the germination tests on the high-elevation and frigid meadows. Their analyzing assays also involved the enzyme's bio-activity in the grasslands at different degenerating stages, the ups and downs in the floral enzyme's anti-oxidizing bio-activity, related quantities of the anti-oxidants or protein content as well as their interaction.

In light of the local pedological settings, the scientists conducted various experiments on a host of new technologies by applying the plant growth modifier, photo-synthesis promoter, ABT root-growth powder, anti-adversity enhancer, recipe for compatibility of chemical fertilizers, etc. By making field estimation, the experts succeeded in raising the grass coverage by 35%-45% on a degenerated plot of pastureland and the forage-yielding rate by 25%. On a degenerated stretch of grassland in medium degree, the proportion of the superb herbage species may go up by 10%.