Planting trees may seem like an obvious solution to the problem of desertification. Trees nourish and stabilize the land, preventing erosion and retaining water. However, critics point out that tree-planting projects can be slow, expensive, and labor-intensive. It is not unusual for 80 percent of trees in a planting project to die. In recent years, researchers have observed quick, dramatic results from a simpler method: farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR).
FMNR starts by simply leaving the land alone to recover by itself. Even in dry, degraded fields, the soil often contains tree stumps and roots. Farmers usually try to dig these out and destroy them before planting crops. However, in FMNR, the farmers simply allow a few of these roots to grow into trees. When they are large enough, the farmers begin pruning them in ways that promote healthy growth. Thereafter, the trees provide a steady supply of firewood, shade, stability, and nutrients for other crops.
In contrast to tree-planting, FMNR requires no money and relatively little effort. The trees have a high survival rate since they are native species and are already established in the soil. Farmers who have adopted FMNR have consistently seen significant improvements in their crops and in their quality of life. These improvements begin within the first year of letting the trees grow.
Which detail from "Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration" might raise questions about the Green Belt Movement's claims of success?
A.
the significant improvements in crops using FMNR
B.
the failure of trees to prevent erosion
C.
the need to burn tree branches for fuel
D.
the low survival rates of newly planted trees
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D. the low survival rates of newly planted trees
This detail raises questions about the Green Belt Movement's claims of success because it highlights the challenges associated with tree-planting projects, suggesting that they may not be as effective as FMNR in terms of tree survival and overall success.
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