The Technical Specification for Sand Control and Soil Formation by Algal Biological Soil Crusts in Desert (T/CNSC 004-2025), a pioneering national-level standard for desert algae application, has been officially released. Led by the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the China Society of Sand Control and Desert Industry, this standard marks a significant shift for China's desert algae-based sand control technology from foundational research and pilot projects towards standardized, scalable, and replicable implementation.

Desertification poses a severe global ecological threat. In extremely arid and barren mobile sand dunes, traditional engineering methods are often costly and unsustainable, while vegetation planting struggles with low survival rates. Finding efficient, low-carbon, and eco-friendly solutions for sand fixation and soil improvement has remained an international challenge.

The new standard, jointly drafted by IHB with several industry, academic, and research partners, fills a critical gap by establishing unified technical protocols for the artificial cultivation of desert algae biocrusts. It systematically outlines the entire process, from baseline surveys and algal strain selection to inoculant preparation, sand pretreatment, field application, maintenance, and effect monitoring.

Research spearheaded by IHB dates back to the 1950s, starting with nitrogen-fixing blue-green algae for paddy field improvement. Since the 1980s, scientists have turned their focus to vast desert areas, conducting systematic research on desert algae population succession, crust formation mechanisms, and ecological functions. Key breakthroughs include the successful expert appraisal of the "Desert Algae Comprehensive Sand Fixation Technology Demonstration Project" in 2009 and a China Patent Award in 2013.

Studies have shown that desert algae species, represented by Microcoleus vaginatus, possess remarkable vitality. They can rapidly colonize sand surfaces, secreting extracellular polysaccharides to cement sand grains and form a wind-resistant "biological soil crust." This living "skin of the earth" effectively suppresses dust, improves the micro-environment, accumulates organic matter, and paves the way for the growth of mosses, lichens, and eventually vascular plants, initiating the positive succession of desert ecosystems.

Based on decades of research and practical application covering over 40,000 mu (approx. 6,670 acres), the standard specifically recommends using native dominant species like Microcoleus vaginatus and Nostoc spp. It provides quantitative guidance for critical steps such as algal suspension inoculation and water management. Emphasizing ecological safety, it mandates rigorous safety assessments of algal strains, strictly prohibiting the use of potentially invasive or toxin-producing species to ensure ecological balance.

"The release of this specification provides a unified, scientific, and operable guideline for managing mobile sand lands in China's arid and semi-arid regions," said a project researcher involved in the drafting. "It will significantly enhance the repeatability and reliability of sand control projects."

The long-term dedication of Chinese research teams, exemplified by IHB scientists including Prof. LIU Yongding, Prof. SONG Lirong, Prof. LI Hua, and Prof. LI Dunhai who contributed to the standard, has gained widespread international recognition.

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