Kathmandu. About 50 years ago, China launched a massive reforestation campaign to stop the spread of the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts. It is considered to be the largest afforestation drive in the world.
A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters has revealed that the nearly 66 billion trees planted under the campaign are growing 66 per cent faster than the surrounding natural forests. Scientists studied forest and satellite data from different regions of China to understand why planted trees are growing faster than natural forests. The study also revealed that this pace does not last forever.
According to the researchers, small plants generally grow faster. However, when factors such as plant age, weather and other local conditions are taken into account, planted trees still grow about 4.6 percent faster than natural forests.
According to scientists, the main reason for this is the increasing carbon dioxide in the air. Smaller plants use this gas faster to produce new leaves and greenery. However, research also shows that this benefit does not last forever.
After a few years, these plants begin to grow at a slower rate. Therefore, simply planting more trees is not the solution to every environmental problem.
According to the study, trees grow the fastest until they are 30 to 40 years old. After that, their growth rate gradually slows down. Scientists say that most of the planted trees are planted along with other trees and are cared for. So at first, their growth seems to be high. ’
According to research, natural forests grow slowly, but they can store carbon for hundreds of years. These forests are home to a wide variety of plants, birds, animals and other animals. Therefore, natural forests are also more important for biodiversity. In contrast, planted trees help fight climate change, but they cannot completely replace natural forests.
According to scientists, planting more trees is a good thing. This can help reduce carbon dioxide from the air in the short term. However, it is equally important to conserve old and natural forests. If natural forests are lost, the environment cannot be protected in the long term by simply planting new trees.
This study shows that newly planted trees initially grow faster and can absorb more carbon dioxide. However, as they age, their growth rate slows down. Therefore, it is necessary to both plant new trees and save old natural forests to save the environment. –Agency
