Living Crusts in the Sand: China Desert Reclamation Using Cyanobacteria 2025

Scientists are turning shifting sands into stable ecosystems by dropping massive amounts of algae from the sky. Researchers in Northwest China have successfully utilized specially selected strains of cyanobacteria to reclaim degraded desert terrain.

China Desert Reclamation Using Cyanobacteria: A Biological Shield

According to a report by China Science Daily on December 25, 2025, these specific blue-green algae strains can withstand extreme heat and prolonged drought. When moisture finally reaches the parched earth, the algae spring to life, spreading rapidly to form a tough, biomass-rich crust over the sand.

This living layer acts as a stabilizer, preventing the sand from shifting with the wind. It's a critical first step in desert reclamation, as traditional planting methods often fail when saplings are uprooted or buried by moving dunes.

The Mechanism of Sand Stabilization

The process involves aerial seeding of cyanobacteria over vast areas. Unlike mechanical barriers, this biological crust improves soil quality over time by fixing nitrogen and retaining moisture. Experts note that this method is particularly effective in the harsh conditions of Northwest China, where water resources are scarce.