juvenile fiber" of wood that can come apart; thus bamboo stays in place and has greater "dimensional stability" (Steinfeld). Bamboo matures in only 4 years and produces 30% more oxygen than a hardwood forest that occupies the same amount of land, and it actually improves watersheds, prevents erosion, and removes toxins from contaminated soils (Kyakula 43). Shtytser (2007) states that "Bamboo plays an important role in the reduction of timber consumption, environmental and forest protection, sustainable development, and offers vital economic and ecological benefits to the lives of millions people worldwide." Kyakula (43) concludes, "Therefore its planting and use should be encouraged for environmental stability."
Bamboo is beneficial for the land, particularly where ero
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