ABSTRACT
China began development of aerial seeding techniques in the 1950s. During the past 30 years, the country has gained considerable experience in using this technique. Aerial seeding has been used in most of the provinces or autonomous regions for afforestation and/or establishment of pastures. In 1985, aerial seeding of grasses and trees covered more than 1.6 million ha in 14 provinces and autonomous regions, a 45% increase compared to 1984. The 30 years of experience have demonstrated that aerial seeding techniques are efficient, economical and labour saving. It is an effective means of afforestation in deserts and remote mountainous areas. This paper discusses the use of aerial seeding for grasses and trees in the arid and semi-arid region of China.
