Oman Shell and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) have signed a pact to partner for agricultural development and conduct research that aims to find viable solutions to address soil salinity across Al-Batinah region.
The increase in the soil salinity of this region is due to reasons such as seawater intrusion along with salt accumulation as a result of high temperatures and low rainfall, said a press release.
Shell will provide samples of Special-S (a sulphur fertilizer produced using Shell Thiogro technology) with the SQU research team to decrease salt contamination of agriculture soils. This product will be evaluated to determine its effectiveness in remediating saline-soils through soil acidification.
The research, to be conducted between Nov 2019 to April 2020, will be carried out at the Agricultural Experiment Station of Sultan Qaboos University before a final technical report is produced with key findings and next steps.
Oman to witness an annual food consumption growth of 4.6% until 2023
Dr. Daniel Blackburn, Project Leader from the Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering of Sultan Qaboos University said, “The salt contamination of agriculture soils on the Al-Batinah region has been a real agricultural challenge, reducing farm yields and profitability, and in extreme cases, forcing farmers to abandon their lands. Our collaboration with Oman Shell represents a fantastic public-private partnership directed at community wellbeing, as we believe that the use of Special-S will provide continuous Sulphur and nitrogen nutrition to crops.”
According to Blackburn, this project would have direct impact on the reclamation programme of salt-affected soils, helping to leach the excess of sodium salts, whilst decreasing soil alkalinity and improving plant nutrition. Blackburn hoped that with this technology, they would be able to contribute to the sustainable management of soil and in turn country’s food security.
Oman Shell’s Country Chairman Walid Hadi also spoke on the ocassion and said, “Soil salinity is an increasing concern for the Al-Batinah region. We are working together with SQU to conduct critical research that we hope will be a big contributor to a productive and sustainable agricultural sector.” He added, “We are eager to work with the brilliant minds in SQU to meet this real-life challenge facing this industry.”
