The technique presented in this video has been replicated by others, and does work AFAIK. There are others doing desert remediation with other techniques, including the Chinese, search youtube for "chinese desert reclamation," which gives the following video and others:

Another project in Africa in the Qattar Depression:

Another in the American desert:

And Egypt:

These are all good projects, but it takes too long to grow a forest. We need massive algae farms that can double their mass of algae daily or faster. The algae can be used in many ways, including putting it directly into soil. Anyone may grow algae, and some like Spirulina are very nutritious food.

Very persuasive. If this is correct all that’s needed are managed herds of livestock to solve many of mankind’s problems.

Interesting idea, if it does work it could be great. Still a little skeptical though since that is my nature.