Khalifa University of Science and Technology announced that it has reached promising research results on developing "artificial soil" that has the components and characteristics necessary for plant growth, which will pave the way for the agricultural sector to produce crops that are difficult to grow in the UAE. The university has applied for a patent for this project, which researchers at the university will continue to develop.
The research, developed by the associate professor of chemical engineering, Dr. Saeed Al-Hassan Al-Khazraji (citizen), and the researcher in his team, Kevin Hallik, discusses the method of preparing the soil that has similar characteristics and fertile soil in Thailand and Ukraine, where farmers were able to grow different plants according to their requirements .
Dr. Saeed Al-Khazraji said: «We have developed a new method that enables us to make artificial soil by taking advantage of the abundant sand in the country, as the soil was prepared in a manner that simulates fertile soils known internationally in terms of composition and porosity, such as the soil in Thailand and rich in mud sediments, and lands with soil Black in Ukraine, which is widely used in cereals and livestock. ”
For his part, Executive Vice President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Dr. Aref Sultan Al Hammadi said: “The artificial soil, which was developed by members of the academic body, reflects the commitment of Khalifa University to its approach that focuses on research related to regional issues that contribute to enhancing the innovation process in the fields Which benefits the country and the whole world ».
He added, “The state recently established the Emirates Council for Food Security to coordinate and lead the implementation of the national strategy for food security in the country, aiming to implement flexible agricultural practices that increase productivity, while ensuring access to safe and nutritious food in sufficient quantities throughout the year, therefore, We believe that this type of research is able to support the agricultural sector in the country and other countries with arid lands that lack the appropriate agricultural environment. ”