China's Green Wall Slows Desert Expansion, Challenges Remain

WHO:

Phys.org - Millions of workers in northern China have been involved in combating desertification.

WHAT:

Phys.org - Workers have been inserting forearm-length sticks into shifting sand to form a grid for planting saplings.

ABC News World - The technique used is called "straw checkerboards" to combat desertification.

WHERE:

Phys.org - The efforts are taking place across the deserts in northern China.

HOW:

Phys.org - The process involves first inserting sticks in a row, then in an intersecting line, and finally planting saplings at the center of each small square.

(UPDATED July 13, 2026 10:03 UTC)

Millions of workers in northern China are actively combating desertification by using a technique known as "straw checkerboards." They are inserting forearm-length sticks into shifting sand to create a grid, which allows them to plant saplings in the center of each small square. This innovative process involves placing sticks in rows and then intersecting them, effectively helping to restore the land.