British scientists try to revive the pasture land

After three years of research, development and experimentation, British ecologists have found a new way to revive chalky grasslands in Salisbury Plain, the home of Stonehenge - one of the symbols of water. Brother.

The study, published in the latest issue of Digital Ecology, found that the characteristics or characteristics of plants play an important role in regenerating soil fertility. In this study funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), scientists from Manchester University, Center for Hydrology and Ecology and Lancaster University conducted experiments on a region of Salisbury Plain. Researchers have determined that planting trees based on a combination of plant characteristics can restore soil fertility in chalky grass areas .

Experimental grassland of British scientists in one area of ​​Salisbury Plain.

Professor Richard Bardgett, one of the co-authors of the study, emphasized: "This result is very important because they suggest that it is possible to build plant communities, based on understanding how they are affect the soil, to accelerate the recovery of degraded soil ".

Dr. Ellen Fry of Manchester University, a member of the research team, said: 'Our research shows that the structure and depth of the roots, as well as the height of the tree, can tell us the time. need to restore the pasture after degradation due to intensive farming. " The study author emphasized: " If, at least in the initial recovery period, the plants are planted according to the characteristics of We think that restoring functions like water and nutrients cycles can happen quickly in 20 to 30 years. "

However, Dr. Fry warns if the factors causing land degradation such as pesticide use, excessive grazing, tourism and residents' lives continue, England's chalky pastures. will still be threatened.

Experimental grassland of British scientists in one area of ​​Salisbury Plain.

In addition, according to Dr. Fry, the results of the study could be used to help drought-hit areas respond to climate change. She said the study found that a combination of plants with deep and shallow roots could help minimize the negative effects of drought on grasslands.

Salisbury Plain, a sparsely populated plain in southern England, is the largest limestone grassland area remaining in northern Western Europe. Intensive, tourism and settlement activities have caused Britain to lose up to 80% of the chalky pasture since World War II until now. On average, about 40 species of plants, including orchids and wild flowers, grow within 1m ² of chalky grassland. They attract insects, rare butterflies and birds, and act as a carbon storage site, helping to mitigate the impact of climate change.