446 Modern Agricultural Reforms
use it for irrigation to increase productivity, while preventing salinization and
alkalinization in the ploughing layer (0–20cm).
3 Adjustment of patterns of cultivation. The plantation system in the plains area
has changed from a one cotton crop system to wheat–cotton intercropping.
High yield, high quality and disease- and salt-resistant varieties have been
introduced. In the low waterlogged land a special model of platform field-
ponds was developed, where high-yield crops/vegetables are planted on plat-
form land and fish are introduced into the pond. With the help of this model,
some 1,000,000 mu of low land, previously unproductive, has become high-
yield land; while on sandy land afforestation has taken place.
4 Fertilization methods. Based on scientific research at the experimental station,
a broader spectrum of fertilizers was adopted. There was an increase in the
input of animal manure through development of animal husbandry. Some
3200kg of organic fertilizer, 12.8kg nitrogen and 6.2kg potassium chemical
fertilizers were applied to each mu. Organic fertilizers, phosphorus and 20 per
cent nitrogen were used as the basis. Phosphorus is no longer applied by hand
but directly into the cotton ridges. During the growing period, 30 per cent
nitrogen in the bud growth stage and 50 per cent in the flowering stage were
added. It was estimated that the wheat–cotton intercropping system can yield
34kg of ginned cotton and 107.5kg of wheat per mu, or 40 per cent more as
compared with monocropped cotton.
- Combination of demonstration with dissemination
Based on successful scientific research at the experimental station, one demonstra-
tion area covering two townships with an area of 213,000 mu was established. The
government mobilized the people in this complex engineering project, and more
than 1.400 million m^3 of earth were dug in the process of construction in 175
sites. The heavy work is usually done by machines and the delicate work by hand.
At the height of construction, 12,000 labourers and 60 big machines were employed
at the construction sites. Funds were raised for construction from various chan-
nels, including investment from the government at different levels, collective
investment by the farmers, and loans from banks. This open policy and encourag-
ing perspectives of the region attracted more than 20 big enterprises, institutions
and foreign businessmen to invest and rent lands for development, thus ensuring
the successful implementation of the programme. Different patterns of IFS were
developed at various scales in accordance with different physio-geographical con-
ditions. Some of them provided immediate returns, even in the same year as con-
struction. A consultation group comprised of a number of experts, practitioners
and decision makers was organized to provide guidance for the eco-county con-
struction. A series of carefully selected demonstration sites with specific priorities
have also been established.