The Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi identified five reasons for the deterioration of agricultural soils in the emirate, including deterioration of vegetation cover, erosion due to wind, erosion due to water and salinization, in addition to soil compression, indicating that the lack of precipitation, and the high percentage of salts in irrigation and salty groundwater One of the biggest challenges to agricultural land in the emirate.
In detail, the authority explained to «Emirates Today» that the results of the soil salinity survey project in Abu Dhabi showed that the water resources and soils in the emirate are facing increased depletion due to the unfair withdrawal of groundwater, the deterioration of the quality of irrigation water, and the resulting transformation of land that has characteristics Suitable to unsuitable lands, as unfair withdrawal of groundwater leads to a deterioration in the quality of irrigation water, and consequently leads to significant soil degradation, and widespread spread of wasteland agricultural land, after more than 80% of the agricultural soil in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has been affected by salinity, in addition to Land investment Of the authority at least for irrigation, while the neglect of land with more soil validity for irrigation.
The director of the Soil Quality Department of the Authority, Eng. Bayan Athamneh, pointed out that the survey included 4000 farms in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, where the level of soil quality and the quality of irrigation water were measured, and more than 4000 soil samples were analyzed, to identify the salinity of the soil, which contributed to the assessment of levels of Salts in agricultural soils, establishing a periodic monitoring system to understand the seasonal changes that occur in the state of agricultural soils during the seasons of the year, developing a work plan for managing soil salinization in agricultural lands in the emirate, in addition to identifying key performance indicators to measure the success of the implementation of any plan to manage agricultural soils in the future , Pointing out that the project n As a result, soil salinity maps are produced on three different levels of agricultural areas, including a soil classification map, a three-depth soil base map, and a soil viability map for traffic cultivation at three depths.
Athamneh stated that the results of the soil salinity monitoring program showed that the average level of salinity (8000 - 16 thousand microsimens / cm, highly salty soil), and that crops with high tolerance to salinity, such as date palm, face a production loss of about 50% Noting that the challenges facing agriculture in the Emirates, and the world, are one, and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has established an integrated legislation system to work on the will for change among farmers to follow good and modern methods in agriculture and irrigation, and confirmed that the authority has a strong extension team in the farms, giving For farmers comprehensive and detailed courses, and follow-up with them step by step.
She stressed that the management plan for salinization of agricultural lands in the emirate, which she recently launched stipulates in its first section the necessity of developing a long-term policy, which is compatible with the available good water resources and available arable soils, through granting incentives, and benefiting from the soil data and maps provided by the authority. To develop future agricultural policies at the regional level, review the established land-use plans, review the current status of agricultural land with very salty irrigation water or irreversible soil for irrigated agriculture, follow scientific methods by introducing water meters, and allocate water E According to the needs of crops, support of modern greenhouse technology, recycled evaporated water, hydroponics, support for salinity-resistant plant research, continued implementation of soil salinity monitoring programs, use of treated water, in addition to washing accumulated salt, using optimized desalinated water, and avoiding Irrigation in quantities exceeding water requirements.
Athamneh indicated that the second section of the plan includes dividing the agricultural regions according to the soil characteristics in each region, according to the soil classification, salinity levels, and the quality of available irrigation water, and based on these characteristics, specific restrictions and recommendations have been put in place for each irrigated area, with regard to the use of Soil, irrigation water, and how to manage soil salinity.
She pointed out that the third section of the plan provides a method for calculating the needs for washing and discharging excess salts in the soil (surface or drip irrigation), the quality of irrigation water and restrictions on crop types, the low yield of the crop, according to increased salinity, the water needs of the crop, and the soil with excessive irrigation and irrigation problems In addition to the viability of the soil for irrigated agriculture.
Athamneh revealed that the next stage will include setting an implementation plan to manage the problem of soil salinization in agricultural lands, and implementing a long-term monitoring program to develop key performance indicators. In addition to conducting similar studies of soil in other Emirates.
Sustainable model
The Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Sector at the Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency, Engineer Sheikha Ahmed Al Hosani, confirmed a management plan for salting agricultural lands in the emirate, which seeks to develop a sustainable model for the optimal use of available soil and water resources, and provide a clear vision for farmers, and enhance their role as suppliers of healthy local agricultural products, The plan includes recommendations and necessary procedures for each agricultural region, where a description is provided of the current situation of irrigated soils and irrigation water, and the sustainable procedures specific to each region (irrigation method, crop selection, fertilizer, soil washing needs, and other Standards).
Athamneh Statement:
«Salty management plan
Farmland
Allocate water
According to the needs
Crops.
50%
Loss in production
Date palm because
Salinity.