Kaz Tube: марта 2017

воскресенье, 12 марта 2017 г.

Growing licorice in conditions of saline lands is a promising solution and an additional measure to effectively combat salinization in the region, but not a panacea for all ills. Do not forget about the importance of sustainable land and water management methods. Nevertheless, the economic and social benefits of growing licorice are undeniable: creating additional jobs and income opportunities for rural households (goals pursued by state and international organizations). Licorice derives its name from the phrase "sweet root", the sugary sweet taste of the rhizome of this plant has long been known to people. It may happen that this "sweet root", in one of the days, will make the life of people living in saline lands a little sweeter.

Licorice root

The restoration of saline lands, however, is an expensive exercise. Moreover, until recently there was a lack of unambiguous data on the cost recovery and efforts in this direction. But more and more studies, including a recent study by Kadir et al. (See here), point to weighty arguments for the profitability of actions to restore saline land. The results of the Kadir et al study suggest that investing in sustainable land management is an economically viable solution. The prevention of land degradation and the restoration of degraded areas is a more profitable solution compared to the price that has to be paid for these simple territories. In their study, Kadyr et al. Argue that, depending on a number of factors, inaction can lead to significant losses (up to 69%). And this is without taking into account such factors as the reduction of employment, the deterioration of human and animal health, and the environmental consequences of land degradation, due to the large amount of carbon dioxide emitted by these lands, which exacerbates the impacts of climate change.

Scientists note that there are several ways to combat soil degradation and salinity (the accumulation of water-soluble salts in the soil (see here)). One of them is growing plants that help restore abandoned saline lands and pastures in the region. This decision is very appropriate, because it benefits not only the environment, but also the rural inhabitants and farmers. Studies show that crops such as sorghum, millet and licorice are very suitable for saline conditions (see here). In addition, some trees and shrubs can be used as biological pumps to reduce elevated groundwater levels in wetland conditions.

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Licorice root

Land degradation caused by salinity is a serious problem in the Central Asian region, which differs mainly in arid and semi-arid areas. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank (WB), land degradation results in annual losses in the region of more than $ 2 billion. According to ADB estimates, since the time of independence in the early 1990s, due to land degradation, crop yields throughout the region have declined by 20-30%. Reducing the fertility of arable land further exacerbates this problem. It is not surprising that the problem of the restoration of saline lands again becomes a priority in the development of scientific research and government strategies. Huge territories are withdrawn from agricultural turnover, but the region can not afford to write off such resources.

Licorice root

Licorice helps to reduce the level of groundwater, reduce the level of salinity and improve soil fertility. The crop grows well under saline conditions and can serve as a valuable source of feed for livestock