Gobi agriculture: an innovative farming system that increases energy and water use efficiencies. A review

摘要: In populated regions/countries with fast economic development, such as Africa, China, and India, arable land is rapidly shrinking due to urban construction other industrial uses for the land. This creates unprecedented challenges produce enough food satisfy increased demands. Can millions of desert-like, non-arable hectares be developed production? abundantly available solar energy used crop production in controlled environments, solar-based greenhouses? Here, we review an innovative cultivation system, namely “Gobi agriculture.” We find that Gobi agriculture system has six unique characteristics: (i) it desert-like resources only source fresh fruit vegetables year-round, unlike conventional greenhouse where need satisfied via burning fossil fuels or electrical consumption; (ii) clusters individual units are made using locally materials clay soil north walls facilities; (iii) productivity (fresh per unit year) 10–27 times higher water use efficiency 20–35 greater than traditional open-field, irrigated systems; (iv) nutrients provided mainly locally-made organic substrates, which reduce synthetic inorganic fertilizer production; (v) products have a lower environmental footprint open-field high yields input; (vi) rural employment, improves stability communities. While this been described “Gobi-land miracle” socioeconomic many addressed, constraints, product safety, ecological implications. suggest relevant policies ensure boosts enhances socioeconomics while protecting fragile environment.