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Best agricultural soil found in RAK

A new type of soil has been discovered near the coast of Ras Al Khaimah.

The discovery came after a soil survey was completed in the north and east of the UAE, that will allow farmers, urban planners, scientists and even police to make use of this long-awaited data.

Done over the course of two years, from 2010 to 2012, by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Ministry of Environment and Water, the survey found 28 different kinds of soil in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, including a new type of soil.

“The new discovery was made near the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. It is a shallow soil containing saline, water and bedrock. It still needs to be documented,” revealed Mahmoud Abdelfattah, Deputy Manager of soil and land use management at the EAD.

The best agricultural soil was found in Ras Al Khaimah, while the solid, ideal soil for construction is found around the Hajar Mountains.

Altogether, 89 different types of soil were found by EAD in the country, 62 of them being in Abu Dhabi. The large majority, 80 per cent of the nation’s soils, is sandy. the EAD’s survey excludes Dubai, which has done its own survey.

“Knowing what type of soil they have, farmers would know exactly how much water it needs and would not over irrigate their crops, which would end up giving poor quality fruits.” It is not just farmers that make use of the soil map. The Urban Planning Council was having land stability issues for a new development in Al Ain, and it was grateful to have a soil map to consult. And so was Abu Dhabi Police.

“The police have set up a new forensic geology department that uses soil to establish where a crime has occurred. They were actually planning their own soil survey, so they were very happy when they found out about ours,” mentioned Abdelfattah. The soil map is available, free of charge, through the EAD’s website, www.ead.ae or directly on www.uaesis.ae

silvia@khaleejtimes.com