Improving Agricultural Soil Properties

Problem Overview

The soils of the Arabian Peninsula in general and GCC countries are sandy in nature (low nutrient and water holding capacity, high infiltration rate). These soils need high inputs for crop production. To be cost-effective for agricultural production, these soils need careful consideration to improve resource capacity for better crop production. The use of soil amendments might enhance crop productivity in sandy soils and decrease the water consumption. Remote sensing techniques help to assess amendment efficiency for soil and crop production. Large agricultural areas can benefit from the current study and technologies might be transferred to other countries with similar conditions.

Project Description

The aim is to improve crop productivity in sandy soils and decrease the water consumption through soil improvement using inorganic and organic soil amendments and assessing the efficiency via remote sensing techniques.

 

Research Innovation Theme

Crop productivity and diversification

Duration
January 2014 - January 2016
Project Lead
Project Region
Near East and North Africa
Project Countries
United Arab Emirates
Partner(s)

YWSP Small Grants Program, FABRI, USAID Arabian Gulf University