• Home

Study on types of Abu Dhabi soil to be unveiled

ABU DHABI — There are 62 different soil types in Abu Dhabi emirate and about 47 of them are fit for agriculture.

A detailed study on the emirate’s soil types has just been announced by the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the results will be fully unveiled during the international conference on soil classification, which will take place here on May 17-19.

“Arid climates, such as that which we experience here in the UAE, give rise to soils that contain variable amounts of easily soluble components such as calcium carbonate or gypsum that is left behind after evaporation of water from the soil. These soils are fragile and easily degraded,” said Majid Al Mansouri, secretary general of EAD.

The survey, which was done together with the International Centre for 
Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), was 
initiated in 2006 and finalised at the end on 2009. “There were no surprises in the soil types found in our study and this data will help us decide how we can best utilise the soil we have,” Al Mansouri told Khaleej Times.

The study has also resulted in developing soil maps for the Abu Dhabi emirate, identifying areas for potential irrigated agricultural use, setting up an online soil data base and initiating a soil archive useful for future research.

These are meant to ensure that decision makers in the emirate have the necessary information for land use planning and agricultural expansion, based on sustainable management of natural resources.

During the International Conference on Soil Classification and Reclamation of Degraded Lands in Arid Environments, also organised by EAD and ICBA, participants will discuss the Abu Dhabi Soil Survey Report and review the classification of soils and land use in an arid environment.

Over 130 speakers from 35 countries will discuss various soil topics, while a workshop on how to use soil survey data in land use planning and policy making will be held.

silvia@khaleejtimes.com