Scientists from Chelyabinsk and China tested a new barrier against wind erosion in the desert

Scientists from South Ural State University in Chelyabinsk, together with researchers from Zhejiang University (China), tested a new type of barrier to reduce wind erosion in the Minqing Desert. This will make it possible to develop another method to combat desertification of the planet, writes Nauka.rf.

Now new, stronger barriers will be created over the sandy areas, which will reduce the wind speed and allow the sand to be kept inside without spreading it over large areas.

Wind erosion is one of the main causes of desertification in arid regions. Dust storms destroy soil, virtually destroying its fertility, and also cause significant damage to roads and other human-made infrastructure.

Straw barriers have previously been used to secure the sand, but they require constant maintenance. The new barriers are strengthened by enzymatic precipitation of calcium carbonate - they are not only stronger, but also more unpretentious.