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Spring has finally arrived in Saihanba.

The snow on the dam has melted, the ground has thawed, and the wind has become gentler.

Although it's still cold, at least I can go out and work.

The most important moment has arrived; the seedlings grown under full sunlight are finally ready for transplanting.

Suning personally led the team, with everyone pitching in.

Each of the eight thousand larch saplings was carefully dug up, with its root ball intact, and transported to the pre-selected plot of land, just like a precious treasure.

"Attention everyone!" Su Ning commanded. "Dig the pits deep, backfill the soil firmly, and water thoroughly. But don't water too much; these seedlings are used to drought, and too much water will do them a disservice."

"Understood!" everyone responded in unison.

Feng Cheng, the most experienced, was in charge of providing technical guidance. "The pit should be five centimeters deeper than the main root, and wide enough for the roots to spread out. The backfill soil should be compacted in layers, without leaving any gaps."

Qin Xuemei and Meng Yue were responsible for taking notes.

They carried notebooks and recorded each tree they planted, noting its number, location, and planting time clearly.

"This is our hope," Qin Xuemei said as she wrote. "They must live!"

“They will definitely survive.” Encouraged, Meng Yue became very determined. After all, the saplings that survive in harsh environments are very strong. “Look at these saplings, how strong they are.”

Indeed, these seedlings grown under full sunlight, though not tall, have thick stems, fleshy leaves, and well-developed root systems.

Compared to the seedlings growing in the shade next to them, these are clearly much stronger.

Furthermore, these college students witnessed firsthand the process of cultivating seedlings using the all-light seedling method, and they couldn't help but feel excited.

Everyone worked very carefully.

In one day, only a thousand trees were planted.

But no one complained about the slow pace, because everyone knew that these seedlings were too precious and that they had to become familiar with some of the planting processes.

Next, everyone unconsciously sped up their pace.

Three days later, all eight thousand seedlings had been planted.

Standing at the edge of the field, Zhao Tianshan looked at the neat rows of saplings and sighed, "If only they could all survive."

“They will definitely survive,” Su Ning said. “These seedlings were carefully selected. The fact that they have survived until now proves that they are suitable for Saihanba.”

"That's true! Their survival is so difficult."

In the days that followed, everyone came to see it every day.

Watering, weeding, and checking—it's like taking care of a child.

The seedlings are also doing well.

After transplanting, although some seedlings had temporarily wilted leaves, they quickly straightened up.

A week later, most of the seedlings had recovered and started to grow new leaves.

"He's alive! He's really alive!" Sui Zhichao shouted excitedly.

"Look at this one, new leaves have already grown!" Shen Mengyin said happily.

Qin Xuemei carefully inspected each seedling and wrote in her logbook, "Seven days after transplanting, survival rate 98%. 160 seedlings have withered leaves and may not survive, the rest have all survived."

"98%?" Meng Yue couldn't believe it. "That high?"

"This is only a short-term survival rate," Qin Xuemei said. "We need to see how things go after three months."

But everyone was already very excited.

A 98% short-term survival rate is nothing short of a miracle in Saihanba.

Days passed, and the sapling grew taller day by day.

One month later, the survival rate was still 98%.

Those 160 seedlings that didn't survive did die, but the other seedlings are growing very well.

Two months later, the survival rate was 96%.

More than a hundred more died, but the remaining seedlings have grown to half a person's height and are lush with branches and leaves.

Three months later, the final survival rate came out—96%.

When Qin Xuemei announced the number, everyone was stunned.

"96%? Really?" Sui Zhichao asked.

“Absolutely true.” Qin Xuemei showed everyone the record book. “Of the 8,000 transplanted seedlings, 7,680 have survived. The survival rate is 96%.”

Cheers erupted in the cafeteria.

"We did it! We did it!" Da Kui jumped up.

"The full-light seedling cultivation method has really worked!" Ji Xiurong exclaimed excitedly.

Looking at the record, Feng Cheng's hands trembled with excitement. "I spent four years in Bashang, planting countless trees, and the survival rate never exceeded 5%. Now... 96%... This is simply a miracle."

Zhao Tianshan burst into tears, exclaiming, "Deputy Director Su, you did it! You really did it!"

Suning was also excited, but he restrained himself, saying, "Don't be too happy yet. It's only been three months. We need to see if we can survive the winter. If we can survive the winter, then it will be a true success."

"They will definitely survive the winter!" Qin Xuemei said confidently. "These seedlings are so strong, they will definitely survive the winter."

The news quickly reached the area below the dam.

Upon receiving the report, Yu Zhenglai couldn't believe it. "96%? Are you sure you didn't miscalculate?"

"That's right, Qin Xuemei personally compiled the statistics, and the records are crystal clear," Qu He said excitedly.

Yu Zheng was stunned for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter: "Good! Good! You actually managed to get Suning to do it!"

He then immediately sent a telegram to the Ministry of Forestry to report the situation.

When Engineer Zhang received the telegram from the Ministry of Forestry, he was also stunned.

"A 96% survival rate? In Saihanba? This...this can't be possible, can it?"

“Absolutely true,” the clerk said. “It’s an official report from the Weichang Forestry Bureau, with detailed data and photos.”

Engineer Zhang stared at the report and photos, speechless for a long time.

In the photo, the saplings are lush and growing well.

Compared to the seedlings growing in the shade next to them, they are worlds apart.

"Immediately organize an expert team and go to Saihanba again!" Engineer Zhang decided. "I want to see it for myself!"

Three days later, Engineer Zhang led the expert team back to the dam.

This time, they went directly to the transplant site.

Everyone was stunned when they saw the lush green saplings.

"This...this was really transplanted three months ago?" an expert asked.

"Yes," Qin Xuemei replied. "The transplant was on March 15th, and today is June 15th, exactly three months."

"It's growing so well." Another expert touched the trunk. "The trunk is so thick, and the leaves are so thick. It's much stronger than seedlings grown in the shade."

Engineer Zhang squatted down and examined it carefully.

He dug away the soil to look at the roots; then at the leaves and the new shoots, and became more and more surprised.

“These seedlings…are indeed highly adaptable.” Zhang Gong stood up and said to Su Ning, “Deputy Director Su, you win. The full-light seedling cultivation method is indeed suitable for Saihanba.”

"Thank you for your approval, Engineer Zhang," Su Ning said.

“However,” Zhang Gong changed the subject, “this is only a short-term performance. Whether it can survive the winter and grow into a big tree remains to be seen.”

“I understand,” Su Ning nodded. “We will continue to observe.”

At this moment, Qin Xuemei stepped forward. "Engineer Zhang, I have a suggestion."

"You said."

“The full-light seedling method has been proven to be feasible, and I suggest we expand the scale immediately.” Qin Xuemei said earnestly, “This autumn, we can collect a large number of seeds and start large-scale seedling cultivation next spring. In this way, the year after next, we will have tens of thousands of strong seedlings ready for transplanting.”

Zhang looked at her and asked, "You have formal training in this field. Do you think this method can be promoted?"

“Yes,” Qin Xuemei said firmly. “Moreover, I suggest that it be promoted throughout Saihanba. The shading seedling method is not effective here and should be phased out.”

"Eliminate shading seedling cultivation?" An expert frowned. "This is a scientific method that has been promoted nationwide."

"Scientific methods should be adapted to local conditions," said Qin Xuemei. "In the plains, shading is the right way to raise seedlings. But in Saihanba, full-sunlight seedling raising is the right way. We should adjust our methods according to the actual situation."

After pondering for a moment, Engineer Zhang asked the expert group, "What do you think?"

Several experts exchanged opinions and concluded, "Based on the current results, the full-light seedling cultivation method is indeed more suitable for Saihanba. We suggest that it be piloted and promoted in Saihanba, while continuing to observe its long-term effects."

“Okay.” Engineer Zhang made the decision. “Then it’s settled. The Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm will fully implement the full-light seedling cultivation method. Seeds will be collected this autumn, and seedlings will be cultivated next spring. Deputy Director Su, this task is entrusted to you.”

"I guarantee I'll complete the mission!" Su Ning stood at attention.

Zhang Gong then said, "Comrade Qin Xuemei, you are very familiar with this method, so you will assist Deputy Director Su in providing technical guidance. I will also speak with your Forestry College to ensure they support your work."

"Thank you, Engineer Zhang!" Qin Xuemei said happily.

The expert team spent two days in Bashang, conducting a detailed investigation of all aspects of the full-light seedling cultivation and making extensive records.

As he was leaving, Zhang shook Su Ning's hand and said, "Deputy Director Su, you have created a miracle. If this method can really succeed in Saihanba, it will be a major breakthrough in the history of Chinese forestry. I look forward to your good news."

"We will definitely work hard," Suning said solemnly.

The expert team has left.

The dam area was abuzz with excitement.

"We did it! We really did it!" Sui Zhichao shouted.

"The all-light seedling cultivation method has been approved by the Ministry of Forestry!" Na Da Kui was also excited.

Shen Mengyin pulled Qin Xuemei along, "Xuemei, you're really something! You dared to offer advice in front of an expert!"

"It's not that I'm particularly good, it's just that my method is really effective," Qin Xuemei said.

Ji Xiurong remarked with emotion, "Who would have thought that just a year ago we thought this method wouldn't work? Now it's being promoted nationwide."

"Therefore, practice makes perfect," Feng Cheng said. "Deputy Director Su proved the feasibility of the method with facts."

Everyone looked at Suning.

Standing at the edge of the field, looking at the lush green saplings, Su Ning was filled with emotion. A year ago, when he proposed the all-light seedling cultivation method, no one was optimistic about it.

Qin Xuemei and Meng Yue objected, Feng Cheng was skeptical, and even Zhao Tianshan thought it was unlikely.

But only Suning persisted.

Because Suning believes that special methods are needed in a special place like Saihanba.

Now, it turns out I was right.

A 96% survival rate, approval from the Ministry of Forestry, and the decision to promote its widespread adoption…

These are all rewards for his perseverance.

But Suning knew that this was just the beginning.

The seedlings were successfully cultivated and transplanted, but whether the trees can grow into a forest, and whether the forest can become an oasis, remains to be seen.

……

With the success of Suning's 8,000 seedlings, the promotion of the full-light seedling cultivation method in Saihanba went much more smoothly.

After the expert group from the Ministry of Forestry returned, they quickly issued an official document: "The Saihanba Mechanized Forest Farm will fully pilot the all-light seedling cultivation method and suspend the transportation of seedlings from below the dam. Su Ning has been appointed as the executive deputy director of the Saihanba Forest Farm to assist the farm's party officials and director Yu Zhenglai in their daily work."

Upon receiving the document, Yu Zhenglai immediately convened a meeting at the Saihanba Forest Farm.

"As everyone has seen, Director Su's all-light seedling cultivation method has achieved a 96% survival rate in three months. This is a real achievement. The Ministry of Forestry has also recognized it. From today onwards, Saihanba will no longer need to obtain seedlings from below the dam; we will cultivate all our own seedlings," Yu Zhenglai announced.

Qu He added, "This is a major event. If the full-light seedling cultivation method can truly be successfully implemented in Saihanba, then our Weichang, our Chengde, and even our country will have found a new way to afforest in high-altitude and cold desert regions. It is of great significance."

The people below were talking a lot.

"Are you really not going to use the seedlings from down below the dam anymore? What will happen to our nursery then?"

"The nursery is transforming and is also adopting full-light seedling cultivation."

"But we have no experience."

"If you have no experience, learn it. Director Su is in Bashang, so ask him to send someone down to teach you."

Soon, the decision was made to spread to Bashang.

Suning called a meeting with everyone.

"The forest farm has decided to fully promote the all-light seedling cultivation method. The nursery down below the dam also needs to transform, and we need to send people down to provide guidance," Su Ning said. "Qin Xuemei, you are most familiar with this method. You take two people down to conduct training courses and teach them how to do it."

"Yes, Director Su!" Qin Xuemei replied excitedly.

"Feng Cheng, you stay on the dam and are in charge of expanding the seedling cultivation scale. We need to collect a large number of seeds this autumn and cultivate 100,000 seedlings next spring."

"Understood!" Feng Cheng nodded.

"Everyone else, please do your jobs. Captain Zhao, you lead the team to repair the nursery and expand the area. Meng Yue and Sui Zhichao, you are in charge of seed collection preparation. Ji Xiurong, you continue meteorological observation. Na Da Kui and Shen Mengyin, you cooperate with Feng Cheng."

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

"Also, I know that some people have contact with outsiders, but I hope you will not leak the secrets of the forest farm, otherwise the relevant departments will definitely follow up."

"..." Both Qin Xuemei and Shen Mengyin looked somewhat unnatural.

"Did you hear that?"

"heard it."

With clear division of labor, we acted immediately.

Qin Xuemei took Meng Yue and Sui Zhichao down to the dam to attend a training course at the bureau.

Ashamed, Shen Mengyin kept her head down, after all, she was the one who leaked the information to Wu Yansheng.

Upon hearing that Wu Yansheng had filed a formal complaint against Su Ning, Shen Mengyin felt very sorry for Su Ning.

……

The training course lasted three days and attracted more than twenty technicians.

Qin Xuemei explained the principles, methods, and precautions of the full-light seedling raising method very clearly.

"The key is adaptation," Qin Xuemei wrote on the blackboard. "From the seed stage, the seedlings must adapt to the environment of Saihanba. Strong light, low temperature, drought—these are the challenges they must experience in the nursery stage. Those that survive are the strong ones."

An experienced technician asked, "But strong light can scorch seedlings! Isn't that common sense?"

“This is common sense on the plains, but not necessarily in Saihanba,” said Qin Xuemei. “We conducted an experiment and found that in Saihanba, appropriate strong light can actually promote the development of seedling roots and thicker stems. Of course, this must be combined with plenty of watering to prevent drought.”

"How much water should we use?"

"In the early stages, we water thoroughly every day, and then gradually reduce the amount of water later, simulating the natural rainfall patterns in Saihanba." Qin Xuemei said patiently, "I will send you the detailed data."

After the training course ended, the nursery below the dam also began to transform.

The shade nets have been removed, the drip irrigation system has been built, and full-light seedling cultivation has been fully implemented.

The scene on the dam was bustling with activity.

Feng Cheng led everyone to expand the nursery.

The original half-acre plot has been expanded to fifty acres, and neatly divided into thousands of plots.

Each plot is equipped with drip irrigation pipes, which can precisely control watering.

Seed collection has also begun.

Saihanba has some cold-resistant tree species, such as Scots pine and larch, and the seeds are collected when they mature.

Feng Cheng is experienced and knows when to collect samples and how to handle them.

"Seeds need to be screened, disinfected, and stored in ice," Feng Cheng said while demonstrating. "Every step must be taken seriously. Only with good seed quality can seedlings grow strong."

Everyone studied very diligently.

Even a delicate girl like Shen Mengyin can now skillfully select seeds.

“I used to be most afraid of getting dirty, but now I deal with mud all day long, so I don’t feel that way anymore,” Shen Mengyin said.

"The environment changes people!" Ji Xiurong laughed.

Seedling cultivation has fully commenced! Hundreds of thousands of seeds have been sown in the fifty-acre nursery.

The days that followed were filled with meticulous management.

Watering is key.

Suning has very strict requirements: eight hours of drip irrigation per day in the early stage to keep the soil moist; reduce to six hours in the middle stage; and four hours in the later stage.

Simulate precipitation changes in Saihanba from spring to autumn.

"We can't keep watering them; we need to let the seedlings adapt to drought," Su Ning said. "Saihanba is short of water, so the seedlings must learn to survive in water-scarce conditions."

Everyone takes turns on duty, watching over the area day and night.

The nursery became the center of the camp, and everyone went to visit it several times a day.

Hard work pays off.

A month later, the seeds sprouted.

The lush green seedlings sprouted from the soil, growing densely and vigorously.

"The germination rate is good!" Feng Cheng was very happy. "It looks like we can get 400,000 seedlings."

"Four hundred thousand trees!" Zhao Tianshan's eyes lit up. "That's enough to plant a huge area of ​​land!"

Two months later, the seedlings grew to more than ten centimeters tall.

With its thick leaves and sturdy stem, it looks very healthy.

When Qin Xuemei returned from the dam area, she was amazed to see the nursery. "They're growing so well! They're even stronger than the seedlings we cultivated down below the dam!"

"Because these seedlings were grown on the dam," Su Ning said, "they are perfectly adapted to the conditions of Saihanba."

Three months later, it's time to transplant it.

The survival rate was 80%.

"80%?" Qin Xuemei was a little disappointed. "It's lower than last time."

"But this is the survival rate of hundreds of thousands of seedlings," Su Ning said. "With such a large base, 80% is already very good. And those that survive are the strongest ones."

Indeed, of the 302,000 seedlings that survived, every single one was strong and upright.

After being transplanted into the ground, they adapted very quickly.

The subsequent tree planting work was even more miraculous.

The first batch of 10,000 seedlings had a survival rate of 96% after three months.

The second batch of 10,000 transplanted seedlings had a survival rate of 97%.

The third batch of 12,000 seedlings had a survival rate of 96%.

The average survival rate has consistently been above 96%.

When the news reached the Ministry of Forestry, Engineer Zhang personally called, saying, "Comrade Su Ning, you have made history! Achieving a 96% survival rate in afforestation in high-altitude, cold desert regions is an unprecedented achievement!"

"It's the result of everyone's joint efforts," Suning said modestly.

"Don't be modest," said Engineer Zhang. "I've already reported your situation to the Ministry. The Ministry has decided to promote the Saihanba full-light seedling cultivation method as a typical experience in afforestation in high-altitude and cold desert areas nationwide."

"Thank you for the recognition from the ministry," Su Ning said.

Engineer Zhang said, "Next, your forest farm must shoulder the heavy responsibility and truly turn this desert into an oasis."

"I guarantee I'll complete the mission!" Su Ning stood at attention.

Looking at everyone, Su Ning was filled with emotion.

A year ago, when he first came to Saihanba, there were only a few dugouts, a few young people, and a desolate desert.

Now, with the official Saihanba Forest Farm, successful methods, and tens of thousands of surviving trees, we have achieved our goal.

More importantly, we now have a team capable of fighting tough battles.

This team endured the bitter cold, hunger, and defeat, but never gave up.

Now, they finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Next, they need to plant trees on all 1.4 million acres of desert, which will require decades, or even generations, of joint efforts.

...(End of chapter)