Integrated Farming Systems at Different Scales 4551,600,000km^2. Afforestation and shrub-grass cultivation will be carried out in a
total area of 20,000,000ha. This programme is to be executed in three phases: first,
scheduled from 1989 to 2000, incorporating 12,100,000ha of greening areas; sec-
ond (2001–2010), 6,000,000ha are to be afforested; and the third (2010–2050) is
expected to add another 1,900,000ha forest–grass–shrub plantation. On comple-
tion of the three phases of the programme, the forest–grass–grass cover should be
45 per cent in 2050, from 20 per cent in 1988. Farmland and pastures will be
protected by shelterbelts; water run-off and soil erosion in the Loess Plateau will
be brought under control; and the problem of firewood shortage will be basically
solved. All these will lead to a great improvement in the economy and the standard
of living of the local people.
As in most of the ‘Three North’ area, the shortage of water so seriously hinders
tree survival and growth that the key to successful afforestation lies in meeting the
desperate need for water. During the implementation of the programme, efforts
were centred around fighting drought, as well as soil and water conservation. Tech-
nical designs were drawn up in the light of local conditions, e.g. planting the spe-
cies best suited to the site, integration of trees, shrubs and grasses. Due attention is
given to avoid monocultures which may invite plant diseases and insect pests. On
the Loess Plateau, where soil erosion is extreme, preference is given to drought-
resistant shrubs, conifers and broad-leaved trees such as little-leaf pea-shrub (Cara-
gana microphylla), common seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), wild peach
(Persica davidiana), oriental arbor-vitae (Biota orientalis), Chinese pine (Pinus tab-
ulaeformis) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). In sandy, wind-blown areas, in
addition to using of drought-tolerant species, an emphasis is put on shrub species
most resistant to scouring sand, like sacsaoul (Holoxylon ammodendron), Hedysarum
scoparium, Hedysarum mongolicum and Callionum mongolicum. In places with rela-
tively favourable water conditions, quick-growing species of a higher quality are
planted, e.g. Scots pine, poplar and narrow-leaved oleander (Elaeagnus angustifo-
lia). In planting and maintenance, stress is placed on technical measures for fight-
ing drought, from site preparation before the rainy season, water conservation and
soil moisture preservation, to careful planting with strong seedlings and intensive
management (Table 18.15).
Establishment of shrub plantation is possible in most of the area but is par-
ticularly suitable for arid and semi-arid lands. The success rate of shrubs is often
twice or three times that of trees. Increase in forest cover through clothing the
Table 18.14 Land distribution of ‘Three North’ regionAreas Farmland Forestland Grassland Others
North-eastern China 22.9 16.5 45.4 15.2
Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang 2.5 3.2 38.4 55.9
Loess Plateau 29.9 18.5 35.7 15.9
Northern China 26.1 25.3 29.0 19.6