June 27, participants of the 2008 "Soil & Water Conservation and Dry-land Farming Workshop", sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and hosted by the International Exchange Center of Yangling Demonstration Zone, visited the Ansai station.

The participant, accompanied by Professor Yunming Chen, Deputy Chief of Ansai station, visited Chuandi meteorological observation field and monitoring facilities for soil erosion, forest and grass vegetation measures, agricultural nutrient cycling, and soil & water conservation. During the visit, participants received a general introduction on the Ansai station, including the station history, ongoing research projects, biological elements monitoring systems, long-term ecological research facilities, recent research achievements, and progress of international cooperation and exchanges etc. Visitors were invited to participate in the discussion on issues of interest.

     It was reported that 45 agricultural officials from 26 countries such as India, Egypt, Ethiopia, Jordan, Palestine, Philippines, Vietnam, Yemen etc, attended this International Soil & Water Conservation and Dry Farming Workshop. The participant spent half a month on learning the relevant knowledge and techniques about Soil and Water Conservation and Dry Farming through lectures, visits, exchanges, and discussions etc.