SHENYANG, June 4 (Xinhua) -- In 2004, 24-year-old Lyu Linyou joined the former provincial institute of sandy land utilization, which is now the sand control and utilization research institute of the Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, after graduation. Initially, Lyu specialized in grass science and had no clear idea about sand control. He learned from senior colleagues and local farmers in Zhangwu County, accumulating experience and gradually becoming determined to apply his knowledge to sand control.

Located on the southern edge of the Horqin sandy land, Zhangwu was once plagued by sand and dust storms. Historically, 96 percent of Zhangwu County's total area was desertified land.

For the ecological management of desertified grasslands, Lyu introduced and tested over 400 varieties of grass and herb plants, ultimately narrowing down to more than 50 suitable varieties. He also led his team in developing complementary technologies, with contribution to the industrial development and practical demonstration of sandy land ecological restoration.

Lyu earned a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2016.

Reporter: Pan Yulong

Editors: Wang Qingqin, Meng Chenguang, Wu Xia, Zhang Xinjing, Zhu Weixi, Chu Jiayin

China Story Studio