Villagers interplant blackberry lily, often used as a medicinal herb, at a rose orchard in Yutian in April. DING LEI/XINHUA

Moreover, planting oleaster and alfalfa together can contribute to the overall success of desertification control, the professor added.

The trees, once they mature, will serve as windbreaks, their height deflecting the worst of the desert gales. The intercropping with alfalfa further anchors the sand, creating a synergistic effect, she said.

"I'm confident that the ecological benefits of this system will be substantial," Li said.

To ensure local residents benefit economically from their desertification-control efforts, local authorities have done even more.

At an experimental station for desertification control in the prefecture, 147,600 plants of various species have been planted, covering 21 species of trees, 18 species of shrubs, 25 species of herbs, and 12 species of cash crops.

Li Yanzhong, a technician at Hotan County Agricultural Investment Co, which runs the station, said the experimental facility aims to motivate residents to participate in desertification control by offering planting choices with economic value.

Based on data analysis, the station selects candidate species for trial planting in arid desert areas, and through field planting, demonstration and side-by-side comparison with analogous varieties, it identifies those best suited to desert conditions.

"The ultimate goal is to use economic benefits to drive participation from both local residents and businesses," Li Yanzhong said.

Once water-efficient, hardy, easyto-plant and economically valuable varieties are identified, they are promoted for broader application.

"The station is open to everyone, and all residents and companies are welcome anytime," he added.