AGU smart irrigation research improves desert farming methods

TDT | Manama                                                

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com     

Report by Ashen Tharaka

Researchers from Arabian Gulf University have implemented smart irrigation techniques in date palm trees to maximize water use efficiency without compromising the yield or quality of dates.

This was revealed by Dr Abdelhadi AW Mohamed, the Associate Professor Coordinator; Desert Farming Techniques and Soilless Agriculture at Arabian Gulf University, to The Daily Tribune in an exclusive interview.

He revealed that the techniques incorporate recent research on crop water requirement computation, soil moisture condition, and weather data.

Dr Mohamed said the move aimed at alleviating the impact of water scarcity, poor soil, arid environments, and climate change on agriculture in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

This is part of the “Desert Farming Methods and Soilless Agriculture” initiative, which focuses on increasing tree seedling survival rates during extreme heat and drought in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

“The system allows us to determine the best irrigation scenario for date palm trees without jeopardizing yield and quality of dates,” Abdelhadi said.

The project uses cutting-edge technology and industry knowledge to provide the highest output, and the evaluation is ongoing for the second year.

Reusing tertiary processed wastewater in irrigation is also being explored as a means of achieving sustainable production.

He said they are continuing to evaluate the success of the technique with the harvest of the date palm trees this year.

The techniques are expected to enhance control over the experiment and test technologies for smart instantaneous irrigation control in Bahrain.