If it wasn't for the fact that trees in rainforests take such a long time to grow back, deforestation would not be such a major problem. A sixty foot high tree would take around 60 years to regrow, however, the equivalent to sixty feet in bamboo would only take 60 days to grow. Bamboo could be a really sensible substitute for hardwood forests. It is the fastest growing plant on earth, it is known to produce greater biomass, and 30% more oxygen than a hardwood forest of similar size. Bamboo, in return of producing this much oxygen, it can absorb up to 12 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare, making it more efficient than hardwood trees. Also, it improves watersheds, prevents soil erosion, provides edible shoots, and removes toxins from contaminated soils.
Bamboo is a natural water control barrier. With Its widespread root system and large canopy, bamboo greatly reduces rain run off, prevents massive soil erosion, and keeps twice as much water in a water shed. Bamboo is really advantageous to damaged lands. Proper harvesting does not kill the bamboo plant, thus topsoil is held in place. Because its root system provides large coverage of the forest floor, bamboo feeds the topsoil, restoring the damaged agricultural land making it usable for many years.
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3 comments:
This is really interesting, but I wonder where your sources are for it?
love the title. I dont know much about trees so it was very informative about bamboo. what is your take on it it? we should grow more bamboo in place of the trees we are cutting?
Lashawna, yes i definitely think that we should start growing bamboo in already damaged places. I think that this is a highly realistic solution as opposed to completely stopping cutting down trees in rainforests.
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