Ji Tang

Chapter 174 Response 2
At this time, Ji Song was talking eloquently in the main hall. If we want to solve the locust problem, we must understand the origin and reproduction method of locusts, so that we can deal with them.

“I don’t know if you have noticed that more serious locust plagues are often accompanied by severe droughts.

There are records in ancient books that "there are locusts in the extreme drought".Wei Chen has checked that several major locust plagues in recent years are also related to severe local droughts.

The main reason for this phenomenon is that locusts are insects that like warmth and dryness. Dry environments have many benefits for their reproduction, growth, development, and survival.

Because locusts lay their eggs in the soil, the soil is relatively solid and has a high moisture content, which is most suitable for them to lay eggs.

The drought caused the locusts to multiply and grow rapidly, and there were two reasons for the disaster.

On the one hand, in drought years, due to the drop in river water levels, the soil becomes relatively solid, the water content is reduced, and the ground vegetation is sparse, the number of locust eggs laid increases greatly, and sometimes thousands of eggs can be laid in a square foot of soil. There are dozens of eggs in each egg mass, that is, there are thousands of eggs per square meter.

At the same time, in drought years, the water levels of rivers and lakes shrink and low-lying lands are exposed, providing more suitable places for locusts to lay their eggs.On the other hand, plants growing in arid environments have lower water content, and locusts feed on them, growing faster and having higher fecundity.

On the contrary, rainy and humid environments have many adverse effects on locust reproduction.The high water content of the plants that locusts feed on will delay locust growth and reduce fecundity. Rainy and humid environments will also make locusts susceptible to diseases, and rain and snow can directly kill locust eggs.In addition, the increase in natural enemies such as frogs will also increase the mortality rate of locusts. "

After hearing Ji Song tell the origin of the locusts, everyone suddenly realized.Since ancient times, people have often associated locust plagues with gods, but few people have thought about why this happens.

Ji Song's words let them know that locust plagues are likely to occur wherever there is drought. This is complementary to each other.

But you know what you know, but how do you deal with it?
“Everyone knows that drought will affect the occurrence of locust plagues, and the natural enemies of some insects also play a big role in locusts.

According to Chen Observation, chickens and ducks are extremely efficient in dealing with locusts.On average, each adult chicken and duck can eat several kilograms of locusts every day, and this is our opportunity! "

"Chicken or duck?" Everyone was speechless. They didn't expect it to be so simple.

"All things in nature are in harmony with each other. Wherever a poisonous snake passes, there must be an antidote. The wisdom of our ancestors is really beyond our reach!" Li Shimin sighed after hearing this.

Ji Song continued: "We can also issue an edict to let more people kill locust eggs and nip them in the bud!"

"Third, bird nests can be built locally to attract predatory birds and curb the reproduction rate of locusts."

"But if we want to completely change the raging locusts and gradually solve the damage caused by locusts, it will take a lot of time and strict government decrees."

Ji Song thought that in later generations, the country would plant a large number of trees in the Guanzhong area, which may not be the reason for wanting to contain locusts.

"What method?" Li Shimin stood up excitedly. He could completely solve the harm of locusts. This is something that many dynasties have not been able to do. If he can do it in his lifetime, then
Thinking of this, he could no longer hold back and asked Ji Song urgently.

"First, there is a kind of high-quality forage on the grassland, which Wei Chen calls alfalfa. Locusts will not eat it. Wherever alfalfa is present, locusts will stay away.

Based on this characteristic, we can plant it on both sides of the river and in drier places, which can effectively curb the reproduction of locusts.

Moreover, alfalfa is a high-quality pasture that horses, cattle and sheep like to eat. It can also be eaten by people. In times of famine, it is also a life-saving thing. "

"Second, it is forbidden to cut down a large number of trees without restraint. During the Qin and Han Dynasties, Guanzhong was a famous land of abundance. But after the end of the Han Dynasty, it gradually became barren. Why is this?
In addition to wars, uncontrolled logging by the people and the government has overwhelmed Guanzhong, which originally had a pleasant climate. The climate has changed and disasters have occurred frequently. "After saying this, Ji Song couldn't help but glance at Li Shimin, which made Li Shimin confused!

Everyone was puzzled, but Wei Zheng said: "When the Tang Dynasty was first established, there was a lot of construction work and all the large trees in the Qinling Mountains in Guanzhong were cut down."

Li Shimin is so embarrassed. It turns out that my family is one of the culprits. No wonder this guy looks at me weirdly.

Then he became angry and said: "Just say it, see what I do? Your ancestors of the Ji family did it too!"

Ji Song raised his head and immediately thought that the Western Zhou Dynasty had also carried out large-scale construction projects. Haorian County was still the seat of the Tao Kingdom at that time. Li Shimin's words were correct.

"In addition to prohibiting disorderly logging, trees or fruit trees should also be planted in mountainous areas to curb the breeding of locusts."

"This is okay, but the results cannot be seen without ten years of work." Li Shimin said disappointedly.

But then I thought that I am still young and have plenty of time. As long as it is effective, I will see results one day.

"Third, just look at Your Majesty!"

This sentence confused Li Shimin and everyone. They didn't know what it meant.
"Well, my Majesty! The people don't dare to hunt the locusts!" Ji Song said helplessly.

Li Shimin and others suddenly realized that at this time, everyone was in awe of locusts, thinking that they were God's punishment for people and messengers of gods. Few people dared to kill locusts in large numbers.

Li Shimin's face was as dark as water at this time, because he thought that if a big locust plague really happened, some people would definitely come out to cause trouble.

Coupled with the public's understanding of locusts, if someone is not good, the blame will be placed on themselves.

With the introduction of Buddhism to the Central Plains, people believed very much in the reincarnation of heaven and the cycle of cause and effect. If natural or man-made disasters occurred, they would pray to gods and worship Buddha.For example, if there is a flood or drought, people will go to the Dragon King Temple to offer sacrifices to the Dragon King, or invite gods or even sacrifice humans.

When facing locusts, he is also called the "Locust God".The locust plague has caused farmers to lose their harvest, and the people will subconsciously think that they have angered the locust god somewhere, so so many locusts are sent to punish humans.

When a locust plague occurs, people will set up cases in the fields to kowtow incense to the "Locust God" and pray that the "Locust God" can leave a way for the people to survive.In some places, "locust temples" have been built to pray for forgiveness.

Because I felt that the locusts were the messengers of the Locust God, I was filled with awe, so I naturally did not dare to eat them.

Under such circumstances, who dares to kill locusts in large numbers?

"So you let me take the lead in eating locusts?" Li Shimin said calmly.

Changsun Wuji was shocked and stepped forward and shouted loudly: "Your Majesty, no! I am willing to eat locusts on your behalf. Even if I die, I will not regret it!"

　I will post them all together from now on. Qiao Mu is currently saving manuscripts and almost forgot to post chapters today.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)