-- Redesigning the desert with grass, hemp, and trees
We want to make the desert green.
This wish has been repeated for decades.
Build dams.
Draw water.
Add fertilizer.
Use the latest technology.
But most efforts have failed.
The reason is clear:
The problem in the desert is not a lack of water, but a lack of soil.
This wish has been repeated for decades.
Build dams.
Draw water.
Add fertilizer.
Use the latest technology.
But most efforts have failed.
The reason is clear:
The problem in the desert is not a lack of water, but a lack of soil.
Sand is not soil
Desert sand lacks most of what soil needs.
– Nutrients
– Water retention
– Microorganisms
– Records of root activity
Even if you water or fertilize,
the sand only grows crops temporarily, leaving nothing behind.
The moment you stop, it’s all over.
This isn’t “greening.”
It’s just prolonging life.
– Nutrients
– Water retention
– Microorganisms
– Records of root activity
Even if you water or fertilize,
the sand only grows crops temporarily, leaving nothing behind.
The moment you stop, it’s all over.
This isn’t “greening.”
It’s just prolonging life.
Hydroponics won't save the desert
Crops will grow if you apply nutrient-rich water in patches.
This is a fact.
However, hydroponics is
a “technology to keep plants alive,”
not a “system for producing soil.”
Soil is a structure
built over a long period of time by roots and microorganisms.
A plant that lives off drip-fed water
will not naturally become stronger.
This is a fact.
However, hydroponics is
a “technology to keep plants alive,”
not a “system for producing soil.”
Soil is a structure
built over a long period of time by roots and microorganisms.
A plant that lives off drip-fed water
will not naturally become stronger.
Soil can only be created in "order"
There’s actually only one way to turn sand into soil.
Place living things in the correct order.
The important thing isn’t “what to plant,”
but “in what order.”
Place living things in the correct order.
The important thing isn’t “what to plant,”
but “in what order.”
Phase 1: Grass - Stopping the Sand
The first thing you need isn’t a crop.
It’s grass.
The role of grass is simple:
– Stops sand from flying
– Softens sunlight
– Creates water channels with its roots
Here,
“If you’re alive, you win.”
No harvesting is necessary.
It’s grass.
The role of grass is simple:
– Stops sand from flying
– Softens sunlight
– Creates water channels with its roots
Here,
“If you’re alive, you win.”
No harvesting is necessary.
Phase 2: Hemp - Moving the soil
Next up is hemp.
Hemp has special properties.
– Its deep roots loosen the sand.
– It connects strongly with microorganisms.
– When cut and sown back, it becomes organic matter.
– Its lifespan is complete in one year.
Hemp is not a crop.
It is a tool used to build soil.
At this stage, the sand begins to change.
Water retention.
Color.
Smell.
A reaction appears in the “former sand.”
Phase 3: Trees – Fixing the Environment
Finally, add the trees.
A tree’s job isn’t to grow.
– To stop the wind
– To provide shade
– To shed leaves
Trees act as pillars to protect the soil.
At this point, the land finally becomes stable.
A tree’s job isn’t to grow.
– To stop the wind
– To provide shade
– To shed leaves
Trees act as pillars to protect the soil.
At this point, the land finally becomes stable.
Crops are the last
There’s one reason why many greening projects fail:
Because crops are planted from the start.
Crops are
“guests” who arrive once the soil is ready,
not the “artisans” who create the soil.
Only land that follows this order
will not betray the crops.
Because crops are planted from the start.
Crops are
“guests” who arrive once the soil is ready,
not the “artisans” who create the soil.
Only land that follows this order
will not betray the crops.
The true nature of desert greening
Desert greening
isn’t about technology.
It’s about design.
It’s not about how much water we use,
but about how we circulate life.
Grass → Hemp → Trees
Only land that follows this order will have a future.
isn’t about technology.
It’s about design.
It’s not about how much water we use,
but about how we circulate life.
Grass → Hemp → Trees
Only land that follows this order will have a future.
Conclusion
The only way to turn desert sand into soil is to give each living thing its proper role and order.
Land dominated by water will inevitably wither.
Only land that nurtures soil will survive.
The desert is a mirror that reflects the true nature of civilization.
Land dominated by water will inevitably wither.
Only land that nurtures soil will survive.
The desert is a mirror that reflects the true nature of civilization.