A state scientific research project – the experiment of exploring the silt resource for vegetation and ecological protection at the estuary of the Yellow River – has passed the examination of related scientific research authorities.

The major part of the project was undertaken by the Yellow River Water Affaires Bureau of Lijin County in east China’s Shandong Province.

The Yellow River is worldwide known for its high sand content. At the estuary of the river, local water affairs departments have to dredge the waterways every year, leaving quite a big amount of silts deposited along the banks, or having some of them removed for dumping.

The experiment was conducted in the back area of the silt-up land.

According to the Yellow River Water Affairs Bureau of Lijin County, in the experiment of utilizing the silt resource, the local scientific research department introduced a total of 14 poplar varieties as well as gingko, locust and some good species of fruit trees for forestation.

Water resources departments have also built pumping stations to draw the river water to irrigate the plants.

Now, an 82-km “green corridor” has been formed along the Yellow River and most of its newly planted trees are growing well.

Authorities of the Yellow River water affairs put forward the idea of building green industrial belts at the back area of the silt land several years ago, believing that in this way they could strengthen their ability to harness the river scientifically. Experts agree that the experiment will play an active role in making use of the silts for vegetation widely at the estuary of the river.

(China.org.cn by Zhang Tingting, May 21, 2004)