2020 Shanxi Provincial First Prize for Progress in Science and Technology 1

In2020, the project titled “Research and application of critical technologies for saline-alkaline wasteland remediation and high-efficiency reclamation in Datong Basin” presided by Professor Zhang Qiang, the Head of the key laboratory was awarded First Prize for Progress in Science and Technology of Shanxi Province.

In the project, the causes of formation and the water-salt dynamics of the inland arid-type saline-alkaline land in Datong Basin were systematically investigated, the simulation model for water-salt dynamics constructed, and the water-salt regulating approaches proposed. The total resource of saline-alkaline wasteland in Datong Basin was thoroughly surveyed and determined, and the resource survey and evaluation methods were established. The chemical, hydraulic, agronomic, biological remediation technology systems were developed, and a model for quantified application of desulfurized gypsum primarily based on alkalization degree and pH value of soil was developed. The long-term improving effectsof varies chemical ameliorants on saline-alkaline wasteland and their environmental effects were determined via fixed-location experiments, and a series of chemical ameliorant formulas were developed. The effects of different agronomic measures including drip irrigation under mulch, ridge-furrow plantation, straw return and full plastic film mulching on different crops were systematically investigated, the crop farming modes suitable for inland saline-alkaline wasteland were introduced and screened, the technology regulations for rapid remediation of inland saline-alkaline wasteland were established, thus the theoretical basis and technological support for the rapid remediation and high-efficiency reclamation of saline-alkaline wasteland presented. Upon the completion of the project, 6 experimental and demonstration bases for saline-alkaline land remediation had been established, 9provincialstandardsissued, 11 national invention patents granted, and 23 academic papers published, among which 3 papers are included in Science Citation Index (SCI). The outcomes of the project have been adopted and extended for 83 633 hectares in the provinces/autonomous zones of Shanxi, Xinjiang, Gansu, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Jilin and produced an economic benefit of 346 million Yuan. The technologies were exported to Algeria through International cooperation projects and yielded significant economic, societal and ecological benefits.