Chinese scientists have developed a kind of "solid water" that can be used for planting trees in deserts.

Ninety-seven percent of the "solid water" is actual water, while the rest 3 percent is a kind of macromolecular polymer extracted from animals and plants, according to Dr. Wu Yunxiang, a researcher from the Shenyang Senlu Solid Water Company.

The "solid water", which is packed in degradable paper, is not pollutive and can be placed deep in the earth together with the root of plant. With the help of microbe, the "solid water" is gradually dissolved to irrigate the root of plant.

The amount of "solid water" to be used depends on the size and the period of survival of a certain plant, the expert said.

The water-efficient technology could be widely used in afforestation in deserts as well as in cities.

The invention has passed the official approval by the city government and received a patent from the State Intellectual Property Office.

Moreover, the Ministry of Science and Technology has allocated 650,000 yuan (US$78,506) from its fund for small technology ventures to finance the project.

According to the expert, the use of solid water for afforestation in deserts is a little more expensive than traditional ways, but if it is used on a larger-scale, the cost could be reduced.

(People's Daily May 23, 2002)