Biosalinity News

Biochar from date palm and conocarpus waste for improvement of soil quality and biomass production

Research Updates Partnerships Events and Training @ICBA

ICBA Board of Directors Integrated aqua-agricutlrue Plant genetic resources vital Drought monitoring and inspects ICBA’s impact on systems revisited... page 6 for food security and early warning systems... agriculture in marginal lands page 16 sustainable agriculture...... page 19 page 12

ICBA Newsletter | Vol 15 | Issue 03 | December 2014 www.biosaline.org healthy soils for a healthy life

PROTECT OUR SOILS

Our soils are in danger because of expanding cities, deforestation, unsustainable land use and management practices, pollution, overgrazing and climate change.

The current rate of soil degradation threatens the capacity to meet the needs of future generations.

The promotion of sustainable soil and land management is central to ensuring a productive food system, improved rural livelihoods and a healthy environment

WE DEPEND ON SOILS

Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Healthy soils are the Soils are the foundation for basis for healthy food vegetation which is cultivated production or managed for feed, ﬁbre, fuel and medicinal products

Soils support our planet’s Soils help to combat and adapt biodiversity and they host a to climate change by playing a quarter of the total key role in the carbon cycle

Soils store and ﬁlter water Soil is a non-renewable improving our resilience to resource, its preservation is ﬂoods and droughts essential for food security and our sustainable future

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE YEAR

Raise awareness among civil Educate the public society and decision makers

Support eective policies Promote investment in and actions for the sustainable soil protection of soil resources management activities

Strengthen initiatives in Advocate for rapid capacity connection with the Sustainable enhancement for soil Development Goals (SDG) process information collection and and Post-2015 agenda monitoring at all levels

fao.org/soils-2015

©FAO - December 2014 Word from ICBA Director General

As this year draws to a close I would like to extend a warm thank you to all ICBA partners, stakeholders, collaborators, InResearch Updates this issue...15 Seminar on sustainable donors, employees, and 4 Amaranth – Perspective as an intensification by Shenggen Fan at friends for their alternative crop for saline areas ICBA continued support. 6 Integrated aqua-agriculture 15 ICBA trains local government Since 1999, ICBA systems revisited staff has witnessed15 8 Biochar for improvement of soil 16 Drought monitoring and early years of achieving quality: A comparative study warning systems: The possibilities great milestones and challenges in harnessing the 10 Low cost compost production that have had a data revolution significant impact technology: Beneficial uses of 17 Farmers’ field day: Salt-resistant on various water and agricultural policies across the region. compost and its product fulvic acid fodder in the «Western Region» During that period, we coordinated with national agricultural Partnerships 18 Emirates International Date Palm research centers and farmers’ extension services centers in 12 Plant genetic resources vital for Festival: ICBA highlights 12 years of over 54 countries. food security and sustainable date palm research Moving ahead, ICBA continues its mission with a wider agriculture Publications focus on ensuring a sustainable agricultural system that 13 Managing salt affected soils in supports the food and nutritional requirements of future Ethiopia 7 Science, policy and politics of generations. ICBA’s mission is to achieve food security in modern agricultural system–global 13 ICBA awarded two grants for marginal and saline environments where it is needed most context to local dynamics of young scientists and to support small holder farmers and their families. sustainable agriculture Events and Training With the help of all ICBA’s stakeholders we are moving on a @ICBA 14 Investigation of seawater steady path towards achieving sustainable agriculture for 11 New ICBA members tomorrow. During 2014, ICBA focused on strengthening its intrusion and interrelationships 19 ICBA board of directors inspects existing partnerships and engaging new partners with active between aquifers using integrated ICBA’s impact on agriculture in and forward thinking projects that will have an extended approach of isotopes and marginal lands impact on the future of agriculture in marginal environments. conventional techniques Our ICBA family is steadily growing and the center is actively pursuing expansion in various fields, especially at Editors Layout and design scientific and technical levels. Charbel El Khouri Charbel El Khouri Currently we are working at revamping our existing website Loukia Janavaras Illustrations and would appreciate your feedback. Please feel free to Setta Tutunjian Charbel El Khouri send your comments directly to [email protected] Shoaib Ismail Photo Credits 2015 will be the Year of the Soil! Staff writers Ghazi Al Jabri Charbel El Khouri Mohammed Shahid ICBA has a long history with soil and the Center has Cover page image: Biochar at ICBA research station; Photo credits: Charbel El Khouri Cover page image: Biochar at ICBA Dionyssia Lyra Charbel El Khouri dedicated a large portion of its work to soil related studies, Henda Mahmoudi Abdul Qader Abdul Rahman which include: soil mapping, best soil management practices, and soil fertility and enhancement. We look Layout and design Production coordinator forward to highlighting the various aspects of ICBA’s work Charbel El Khouri Suzan Nooraddin related to soil over the coming year. I wish you an enjoyable read through this issue of Biosalinty To subscribe to Biosalinity News News and all the best for the New Year 2015. please fill the form on the following URL: http://biosaline.org/biosalinitynews.aspx Sincerely yours, Recycle Ismahane Elouafi Biosalinity News is printed on 100% recycled paper. When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it.

Vol 15 | Issue 03 | December 2014 3 Research Updates

Amaranth – Perspective as an alternative crop for saline areas Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), which belongs to the family Amaranthaceae, is an ancient food of the Aztecs and Mayans of Central America, and is now grown in many temperate and tropical regions. The genus Amaranthus comprises about 70 species, of Amaranth grown at ICBA research station in Dubai which 40 are edible. All parts of the edible amaranth plant are suitable for eating. plantations though they are reportedly eaten most of the studies on salinity tolerance in Furthermore, amaranth is very nutritional. in other parts of the world (see Mlakar et al. Amaranth have been in pots under The leaves are a good source of vitamins 2010). In recent years, there has been controlled greenhouse conditions and there and minerals, i.e. leaves contain three times growing interest in Amaranth worldwide due is limited information on its performance more vitamin A, calcium and niacin (vitamin to it being a highly nutritious gluten-free under saline field conditions. Hence, the B3) than spinach, and 18 times more vitamin grain with many uses. Similar to other International Center for Biosaline Agriculture A, 13 times more vitamin C, 20 times more cereals, it can be used as a breakfast cereal (ICBA) recently evaluated the performance calcium and seven times more iron than and in making crackers, breads, cookies and of a few selected genotypes of two lettuce (Guillet, 2004). Amaranth leaves other flour-based products. Cooked leaves Amaranthus spp. (A. cruentus and A. show a significant energy value ranging from are used as a side dish, in soups and as an hypochondriacus) under saline field 27 to 53 kcal/100 g of fresh leaves and high ingredient in baby food, pasta, pie, and so conditions in Dubai. nutrition value - in particular 4-6 g of protein, forth. Five genotypes (four of A. cruentus and one 0.2-0.6 g of fat and 4-7 g of carbohydrates. Amaranth is a fast-growing crop that is of A. hypochondriacus) previously selected As for amaranth grain, it is high in fiber and adaptable to a wide range of soils and for high yield potential from a set of 50 low in saturated fats, whereby it contains climates. It is also one of the few C crop* germplasm accessions received from the 12% to 17% protein; moreover, Amaranth is 4 species other than the grasses; thus, it United States Department of Agriculture an excellent source of lysine, which sets it performs well under adverse conditions, (USDA) were studied in a field trial laid out apart from other grain crops (Kauffman and especially heat and drought. C plants in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with Weber, 1990). 4 convert a higher ratio of atmospheric carbon three replications. The irrigation treatments In India and the Americas, amaranth is most to plant sugars per unit of water lost than consisted of a control (ECw 0.2) and three often grown for its seeds, while in Southeast those possessing the classical C3 (Calvin salinity levels with ECw equivalent to 5, 10 Asia and Africa, amaranth is grown as a cycle) pathway. In view of its tolerance to and 15 dS m-1 obtained by mixing saline leafy vegetable. In the United Arab Emirates major abiotic stresses, amaranth has now ground water with fresh water. Sowing was (UAE), while A. hybridus and A. caudatus emerged as a major climate resilient done in Mid-November. Each plot had four are occasionally cultivated, three other vegetable crop that not only fights climate rows of 2.5 m and the distance between species namely: A. albus, A. viridis and A. change, but also fulfills the growing rows and between plants within each row graecizans grow as weeds in gardens and nutritional needs of human beings. were 50 and 25 cm, respectively. The plants Heat and salinity are known to be the two were irrigated using the drip-system. major abiotic stresses impacting agricultural Standard agronomic data were recorded production in the Arabian Peninsula and from five randomly selected plants from the elsewhere. Amaranth is reported to be two middle rows within each plot. Analysis of moderately salt tolerant and compares well variance was used to assess the effect of with other vegetable crops such as cowpea salinity, with the limit for statistical and mustard (Omami et al. 2006). However, significance set at p=0.05.

* The terms C4 and C3 refer to the different pathways that plants use to capture carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.

C3 plants use the enzyme ribulosodiphosphatcarboxylase to ﬁx CO2 and the ﬁrst product created is a 3-carbon

molecule phosphoglycerate, while C4 plants use phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase to ﬁx CO2 and the primary Grain color variation in amaranth product of photosynthesis is oxaloacetic acid.

4 Vol 15 | Issue 03 | December 2014 Research Updates

yields at all salinity levels. For seed yield, 0.2 dS/m 5 dS/m 10 dS/m 15 dS/m averaged over salinities, PI 576481 produced the maximum of 13.2 g/plant 800 followed by PI 4477914 (9.2 g/plant) and 700 PI636186 (8.6 g/plant). 600 In conclusion, results from this study showed that salt stress has more 500 detrimental effect on seed yield than on the 400 biomass yield and thus it is uneconomical to g/plant 300 cultivate Amaranth in areas with saline water for irrigation. This is in contrast to the 200 previous observations that mild to moderate 100 salinity has no adverse effect on yield (see 0 Omami et al. 2006; Costa et al. 2008) but as PI 477914 PI 525498 PI 576481 PI 606797 PI 636186 the number of genotypes evaluated in this Genotype study was small, further work on a broader Figure 1: Effect of salinity on green biomass production in five amaranth genotypes. The error bar represent the range of genotypes is recommended to least significant difference (LSD) at P = 0.05. confirm this observation. Nonetheless, amaranth is still a promising new crop for Analysis of the data showed that amaranth however, significantly affected growth and non-saline areas that may prove has good adaptation to the UAE productivity and the differences among instrumental in addressing the food security environment, characterized by the hyper arid genotypes were also highly significant (see challenges of the future. climatic conditions with limited supply of Figures 1 & 2). However, the interaction irrigation water and nutrient-poor sandy soils between genotypes and salinity levels were References with low water holding capacity and high not significant indicating that the response of Costa, D.M.A., Melo, H.N., Ferreira, S.R., & alkalinity. Current studies however indicate the different genotypes to increasing salinity Holanda, J.S. (2008). Growth and development of that amaranth performs well as a winter crop stress was about the same. Averaged over amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) under saline stress and produces high biomass and seed yields genotypes, increase in salinity from 0.2 and mulch. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo 32:43-48. with non-saline irrigation water. Thus, based dS/m (control) to 5 dS/m has decreased the on a density of 16 plants/m2, the estimated mean plant height by 26%, stem thickness Guillet, D. (2004). Grain Amaranthus, History and above-ground biomass yield in the by 18%, number of branches by 28%, fresh Nutrition. Kokopelli Seed Foundation. Retrieved from non-saline control treatment was 69,280 biomass yield by 58% and seed yield by http://www.kokopelli-seed-foundation.com/amara kg/ha–much higher than the maximum 79%. Further increase in salinity to 10 dS/m nths.htm reported yield of 49,000 kg/ha from decreased plant height by as much as 52%, Kauffman, C.S. & Weber, L.E. (1990).Grain favorable environments (see Mlakar et al. stem thickness by 46%, number of branches Amaranth. In: Janick, J. & Simon, J.E. (eds.) 2010). Similarly, the seed yield of 3,696 by 37%, fresh biomass yield by 87% and Advances in new crops. (pp. 127-139). Timber kg/ha obtained with non-saline water was seed yield by 88%, compared to the control. Press, Portland, USA. close to the maximum reported yields of In terms of genotypes, PI 525498 and PI Mlakar, S.G.,Turinek, M., Jakop, M., Bavec, M. & 3,800 kg/ha from Europe. Salinity stress 576481 produced the maximum biomass Bavec, F. (2010). Grain amaranth as an alternative and perspective crop in temperate climate. Journal of Geography 5: 135-145. 0.2 dS/m 5 dS/m 10 dS/m 15 dS/m Omami, E.N., Hammes, P.S. & Robbertse, P.J. (2006). Differences in salinity tolerance for growth 45 and watre-use efficiency in some amaranth 40 (Amaranthus spp.) genotypes. New Zealand 35 Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science 34: 30 11-22. 25 Written and submitted by: Dr Nanduri K. 20 Rao, Dr Mohammad Shahid g/plant 15 10 5 0 PI 477914 PI 525498 PI 576481 PI 606797 PI 636186 Genotype

Figure 2: Effect of salinity on seed yield of ﬁve amaranth genotypes. The error bar represent the least signiﬁcant difference (LSD) at P = 0.05.

Vol 15 | Issue 03 | December 2014 5 healthy soils for a healthy life

PROTECT OUR SOILS

Our soils are in danger because of expanding cities, deforestation, unsustainable land use and management practices, pollution, overgrazing and climate change.

The current rate of soil degradation threatens the capacity to meet the needs of future generations.

The promotion of sustainable soil and land management is central to ensuring a productive food system, improved rural livelihoods and a healthy environment

WE DEPEND ON SOILS

Healthy soils are the Soils are the foundation for Researchbasis Updates for healthy food vegetation which is cultivated production or managed for feed, fibre, fuel and medicinal products Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Ivory Coast, from an aquaculture system is directed to a Integrated Liberia, Madagascar, Tanzania, Zaire and hydroponic system where the by-products others. Fish ponds are grouped around a are broken down by nitrogen-fixing bacteria village or near sources of irrigation water into nitrates and nitrites, which are utilized aqua-agriculture and are primarily used to raise fish for by the plants as nutrients. The water is then consumption by the producers. re-circulated back to the aquaculture systems IAASs are characterized by several system. advantages such as: a) farm productivity Small-scale reverse osmosis (RO) revisited and profitability increases without any net desalination systems are increasingly used Water and food security constitute two of the increase in water consumption, b) farm by farmers in GCC countries to irrigate most vexing challenges of the 21st century diversification increases through higher crops, but a key environmental issue is the that humanity has to face. Rapid population value crops, including aquatic species, c) safe disposal of the produced brine as the growth, productive lands and fresh water re-use of water and nutrients otherwise conventional disposal systems are limitations, highSoils demand support for energy, andour planet’swasted on-farm resources, d) reductionSoils helpof toexpensive combat and unproductive. and adapt As a result, climate change all contribute to limiting the net environmental impacts of semi-intensive good management practices need to be agricultural capacitybiodiversity to meet demand and for they hostfarming a practices and e) higher tonet climate changeformulated. Forby this playing reason, since a 2013, food, feed, fiber and fuel on a global basis. economic benefits due to offsetting existing ICBA is operating an IAAS at its premises, In order, to alleviatequarter this pressure, of scientists the totalfarm capital and operating expenses.key Apart role inwhich the uses carbon both the desalinated cycle and brine are looking for synergistic solutions among from these benefits, there are social benefits waters in a study that aims to make use of productive sub-systems that maximize farm associated with IAAS. so the operational aquaculture waste into a resource with productivity and minimize, in parallel, their requirements of IAASs are not gender, or benefits to the environment and farmers. ecological footprint. The integration of age specific, so broad participation by the The IAAS was established on over 2 ha of aquaculture components with agriculture workforce (small-scale farmers) including area at ICBA experimental station provides a means to optimize the use of women and youth is possible. In addition, comprising of an RO unit with a capacity to water resources and decrease dependency water authorities may achieve multifold generate 100 m3/day of fresh water and 150 upon chemical fertilizers, while promoting benefits through more efficient use of m3/day of brine water. In addition, three greater sustainability of the systems. marginal waste resources such as saline tanks with a volume of 3000 gallons each The concept of Integrated Aqua-Agriculture groundwater. The result is increased used to raise fish with part of the brine water Systems (IAASs) is not recent. Intensive revenue without increased consumption, generated from the RO unit. The fish IAASs have evolved from traditional further offsetting the existing management species Sparidentex hasta (sobaity extensive polyculture systems commonly and maintenance costs. seabream) introduced for aquaculture found in African and Southeast Asian Aquaponics constitute a modern type of demonstrated remarkable adaptability to the countries since the 1950s, where fish have IAASs which demonstrates a growing trend local conditions, implying that the species is been raised while simultaneously growing nowadays. It is a food production system a good candidate for the IAAS. 1500 fish crops, usuallySoils rice. The store well- known and paddy filter waterthat combines conventional aquacultureSoil with is awere non-renewable raised in the three tanks (500 cam fish cultures are very popular in hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a fish/tank). Within four month period, fish Indonesia, China,improving Japan, Malaysia, our resiliencesymbiotic to and controlled environment.resource, Water weight its increasedpreservation by 160% and is fish length by floods and droughts essential for food security and our sustainable future

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE YEAR

Salicornia growing on brine water; in the back appears the ﬁsh tanks (with green shades) and the water reservoirs for desalinated and brine water at ICBA research station

6 Vol 15 | Issue 03 | December 2014

Raise awareness among civil Educate the public society and decision makers

Support eective policies Promote investment in and actions for the sustainable soil protection of soil resources management activities

fao.org/soils-2015

©FAO - December 2014 Research Updates

value-added products such as such as fish, Halophytes seaweeds, forages and vegetables. In this way, the sustainability of the existing RO Cereals infrastructures in the GCC region is enhanced. Cost benefit analysis will be carried to examine the economical feasibility Salt-tolerant forage grasses of such a land-based IAAS in a marginal environment. Further literature Aquaculture in Desert and Arid Lands: Vegetables Development Constraints and Opportunities: FAO Aquaculture Brine Water Technical Workshop, 6-9 July 2010, Hermosillo, Mexico. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Bailis, R. & Yu, E. (2012). Environmental and social implications of integrated seawater agriculture systems producing Salicornia bigelovii RO Unit GW Desalinated for biofuel. Biofuels, 3, 555-574. Water Neori, A., Chopin, T., Troell, M., Buschmann, A. Diagram of the integrated aqua-agriculture system that is being implemented at ICBA research station in Dubai H., Kraemer, G. P., Halling, C., Shpigel, M. & Yarish, C. (2004). Integrated aquaculture: rationale, evolution and state of the art 50%. The desalinated water produced from irrigation systems (bubblers, sprinklers). The emphasizing seaweed biofiltration in modern the RO unit was used to irrigate several high bubble system was more efficient to mariculture. Aquaculture, 231 (1), 361-391. value crops such as asparagus, maize, enhance the performance of S. bigelovii Stevenson, K. T., Fitzsimmons, K. M., Clay, P. A., quinoa, eggplant and okra, where as the plants compared to the sprinkler system. Alessa, L. & Kliskey, A. (2010). Integration of brine water from the RO unit, either solely or However, in both cases the brine water did aquaculture and arid lands agriculture for water mixed with groundwater and the aquaculture not significantly impact growth. reuse and reduced fertilizer dependency. Experimental Agriculture, 46 (02), 173-190. effluents was used to grow different Results from the first year show that such salt-tolerant perennial forages such as integrated systems can create a wealth of Written and submitted by: Dr Dionyssia Sporobolus arabicus, Distichlis spicata, ecological and economic advantages in Lyra, Dr Shoaib Ismail, Eng Khalil Sporobolus virginicus, Paspalum vaginatum. marginal environments ranging from Rahman Butt, Eng Basel Al’raj Selected Salicornia bigelovii populations sustaining environmental quality through were also evaluated under two water productive use of brine and dissolved and regimes (RO- and aquaculture-brine) and particulate nutrients discharge, to generating Science, Policy and Politics of Modern Agricultural System Global Context to Local Dynamics of Sustainable Agriculture The release of the book Science, Policy conference. The book presents 23 chapters and Politics of Modern Agricultural distributed into four themes: sustainable System – Global Context to Local agricultural development facing Dynamics of Sustainable environmental, economic and social Agriculture co-edited by Mohamed challenges; the impact of soil degradation in Behnassi (NRCS, Morocco), Shabbir terms of agricultural productivity; livestock A Shahid (ICBA, Dubai) and Nazia production enhancements: recommended Mintz-Habib (University of techniques and agro-biodiversity, climate Cambridge UK) is an outcome of change and livelihood: managing international conference interdependence. The book is an excellent (ICCAFFE2011) held in Agadir source of scientific information to be used (Morocco) 19-21 May 2011. The by a myriad of stakeholders, such as conference was jointly organized by researchers and experts, professors and New Publication the North-South Center for Social students, land use planners, decision Sciences (NRCS) in collaboration makers, NGO actors, and politicians. with GIZ Germany and IRD France. Publisher: Springer (2014) Scientists from a wide range of ISBN: 978-94-007-7957-0 specializations participated in the

Vol 15 | Issue 03 | December 2014 7 Research Updates

Biochar for improvement of soil quality: A comparative study Biochar is a solid fine-grained material obtained from the carbonization of biomass under oxygen-limited conditions. Biochar may be applied directly to soils to improve soil functions and to reduce emissions from biomass. Due to its stability, biochar has an The color of biochar from conacurpus (left) is dark black and biochar from date palm (right) is grayish black important role in carbon sequestration (the process of capturing CO2 before it escapes biochar on crop yield has been assessed for carbon/ash content. into the atmosphere). its moisture retention capacity. The result is In recognition of the importance of biochar in This 2,000 year-old practice converts a reduced need for frequent irrigation of improving soil properties and crop yield, agricultural waste into a soil enhancer that crops. In order to assess the quality of ICBA has produced biochar from two can hold carbon, boost food security, biochar to use in agriculture, seven sources: 1) date palm and 2) conocarpus. increase soil biodiversity, and discourage parameters are important; pH, volatile The plant materials were shredded into deforestation. The process creates a compound content, ash content, water smaller pieces that were combusted in a fine-grained, highly porous charcoal that holding capacity, bulk density, pore volume, furnace separately at two different helps soils retain nutrients and water. and specific surface area. In general, the temperatures (350 and 400°C). At the Biochar is found in soils around the world as carbon content of biochar is inversely completion of combustion, the plant material a result of vegetation fires and historic soil related to biochar yield. Increasing pyrolysis was converted to very fine black powder management practices. Intensive study of temperature from 300 to 800°C decreased (biochar). Prior to the use of biochar in biochar-rich dark earths in the Amazon (terra the yield of biochar and increased the greenhouse experiments, its characteristics preta), has led to a wider appreciation of the unique properties of biochar as a soil enhancer. Table 1: Characteristics of biochar produced at ICBA at two temperatures using conocarpus material Conceptually, three main mechanisms have Pyrolysis temperature→ 350oC 400oC been proposed to explain how biochar might benefit crop production, i.e., direct Parameters↓ modification of soil composition through its Electrical conductivity (mS cm-1) 3.23 4.25 elemental and compositional make up, pH 9.20 10.57 providing chemically active surfaces that modify the dynamics of soil nutrients, and Ash (%) 6.16 7.25 also modify the physical character of the soil Color Black Black in a way that benefits root growth and/or nutrient and water retention. The use of Biochar has been Table 2: Characteristics of biochar produced at ICBA at two temperatures using Date palm material reported to improve the physical and chemical Date palm→ Leaves Stem Twigs properties of soils as it Pyrolysis temperature→ 350oC 400oC 350oC 400oC 350oC 400oC contributes to increased Parameters↓ cation-exchange-capacity (CEC) which affects the Electrical conductivity (mS cm-1) 4.97 6.70 11.30 12.50 20.70 24.50 ability of soils to hold pH 9.19 10.90 10.29 11.10 10.91 12.07 nutrients, increase nutrient uptake, and decrease Ash (%) 8.71 9.20 11.25 12.71 17.57 18.15 nutrient losses through Color Grayish Grayish Grayish Grayish Grayish Grayish leaching. The effect of Black Black Black Black Black Black

8 Vol 15 | Issue 03 | December 2014 Research Updates

(maize) was conducted on sandy soil (Typic Effect of biochar on biomass yield of maize torripsamments) dominant in the UAE. Following this, treatments were prepared 160 and mixed in soil. The pots were then ﬁlled 140 with soil. Ten maize seeds were sown in each pot. Each treatment was triplicated. 120 Results demonstrate (see Figure 1) that the addition of biochar at a rate of 5 ton/ha to 100 conventional practice (100% chemical fertilizer) increased fresh biomass (29%), 80 while the reduced rate of fertilizers 60 application (50%) with biochar and biofertilizer increased biomass (19%) 40 compared to conventional fertilizer rate

Plantbomass (tons/ha) alone. It is therefore concluded that the 20 biochar, when used with the recommended rate of chemical fertilizer, produces more 0 biomass yield. These are the preliminary C+100%CF C+BC C+100%CF C+100%BF C+100%BF results and need further conﬁrmation in the +BC +BC +BC+50%CF ﬁeld. Treatments Further literature

Figure 1: Effect of biochar on biomass yield of maize Biochar use in soil (http://www.biochar-international.org/biochar/soils). were established in the laboratory. The pH, temperature (350°C) in biochar prepared Al-Wabel, M.I. et al. (2013). Pyrolysis and EC was measured on 1:1 (biochar: from conocarpus. The increase in pH at temperature induced changes in characteristics water) suspension using pH and EC meter higher temperature is due to the loss of and chemical composition of biochar produced respectively. Ash content was determined functional groups and hence alkalinity from conocarpus wastes, Bioresource Technology through combustion at different increased. In the absence of facility for 131 (2013) 374–379. temperatures, and difference in weight was elemental analyses, such tests have not Khan, N. et al. (2013). Effect of Integrated use of used to calculate ash content. The present been performed. biochar, FYM and nitrogen fertilizer on soil organic fertility, Pure Appl. Bio., 2(2):42-47. study showed similar trend (Tables 1 and The obtained Biochar was used in a 2), as shown by Al-Wabel et al 2013) for “Comparative Study on the Use of Biochar, Written and submitted by: Dr Abdullah high EC, pH and ash contents at high Compost and Biofertilizers for Maize Crop in Alshankiti and Dr Shagufta Gill temperature (400°C) relative to low Sandy Soil.” A greenhouse pot experiment

Comparative response of compost, biofertilizer, and biochar on maize biomass

Vol 15 | Issue 03 | December 2014 9 healthy soils for a healthy life

PROTECT OUR SOILS

Our soils are in danger because of expanding cities, deforestation, unsustainable land use and management practices, pollution, overgrazing and climate change.

The current rate of soil degradation threatens the capacity to meet the needs of future generations.

The promotion of sustainable soil and land management is central to ensuring a productive food system, improved rural livelihoods and a healthy environment

WE DEPEND ON SOILS

Healthy soils are the Soils are the foundation for basis for healthy food vegetation which is cultivated production or managed for feed, ﬁbre, fuel and medicinal products

Soils support our planet’s Soils help to combat and adapt biodiversity and they host a to climate change by playing a quarter of the total key role in the carbon cycle

Soils store and ﬁlter water Soil is a non-renewable improving our resilience to resource, its preservation is ﬂoods and droughts essential for food security and our sustainable future

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE YEAR

Raise awareness among civil Educate the public society and decision makers

Research Updates

(planting materials/organic waste) through conserve biodiversity and sequester carbon. Low cost microbial decomposition into a farm A healthy landscape requires soil without Support eective policiesresource is called composting and the finalPromote pollutants investment and with a mix of in organic material, product is “compost”. To meet growing thus the use of the compost is one of the compostand actions for the global population, there is a dire need to sustainableoptions to improve soil the quality of the protection of soil resourcesincrease agricultural production The use managementof landscape base. activities Usually 3-5 kg/m2 or production compost (organic matter) in agriculture fields variable quantities (based on soil type and offers many benefits such as enhanced soil plants) of compost is mixed manually or technology: fertility and subsequent increased mechanically for sustainable landscaper agricultural productivity (Leifeld et al., 2001), sites. The maintenance of these landscapes improved soil biodiversity and reduced generates huge quantities of green waste Beneficial uses ecological risks by reducing landfill sites, which can be recycled to compost, thus

NH4 volatilization and NO3 leaching to provides environmentally friendly way of of compost and ground water. Not only the composts, but waste handling. their components like humic acid and fulvic The main objective of this study is to provide its product fulvic acid can have important bearing on an on-farm low cost compost production improving plant growth at different technology to aid the farmers and landscape Strengthen initiatives developmentalin stages including seed Advocatedevelopers for rapid to transform capacity the green waste to acid germination and seedling vigor. a valuable resource. There are growing global concerns In addition to agricultural farming, the regardingconnection the excessive use with of chemical the Sustainable enhancementConsidering the beneﬁcialfor soil uses of compost creation of green landscapes in urban and of recycling green wastes, scientists at fertilizers,Development atmospheric pollution, Goals soil health, (SDG) planningprocess projects is a prerequisite as theyinformation collection and and biodiversity, resulting in an increased ICBA initiated a study that aimed to establish provide aesthetic and eye-catching views, a low cost on-farm compost production interest in organicand recycling Post-2015 practices. The agenda create platform for healthy exercises, monitoring at all levels transformation of on-farm green waste technology and evaluate the beneﬁts of the

Green waste Partially decomposed

Recycling greenfao.org/soils-2015 waste to compost for landscaping

Healthy Composting landscape at ICBA ©FAO - December 2014

Compost Final product for landscaping “Compost”

Figure 1: Low cost compost production technology at ICBA

10 Vol 15 | Issue 03 | December 2014 Research Updates

Table 1: Effect of various concentrations of fulvic acid (0.5 to 1%) on seed germination and traits*

Treatment* % germination Speed of Accumulated Coefﬁcient of (mean±SD) germination speed of rate of (mean±SD) germination germination (AS) (mean±SD) (mean±SD)

Prosopis cineraria

Control 73.33±11.54 0.53±0.24 1.1±0.09 30.15±2.7

Fulvic acid 0.5% 93.33±11.55 0.56±0.17 1.61±0.19 33.82±3.8

Fulvic acid 1% 100±0.00 1.19±0.26 3.00±0.44 52.65±8.8

Acacia tortilis

Control 73.33±11.5 5.8±0.08 1.61±0.37 35.20±3.8

Fulvic acid 0.5% 83.33±0.00 0.81±0.17 2.25±0.38 40.92±4.9

Fulvic acid 1% 93.33±11.55 1.06±0.12 2.72±0.34 51.85±3.2

*the mean and standard deviation is for three replicates

Leifeld, J., Siebert, S. & Ko¨gel-Knabner, I. (2001) compost product ‘fulvic acid’ in improving increase seed germination, the seeds were Stabilization of composted organic matter after seed germination. Therefore, a low cost primed with fulvic acid (0.5 and 1%) application to a humus-Free sandy mining soil. on-farm compost production system was set extracted (Asing et al 2014) from compost Journal of Environmental Quality 30:602–607. up at the experimental station (Figure1) prepared at ICBA, and seed germination trial Nair, J.& Okamitsu, K. (2010) Microbial inoculants using the feedstock derived from plants in the green house was conducted. for small scale composting of putrescible kitchen clippings (grasses, shrubs, ground cover Present study concludes that it is possible to wastes. Waste Management 30: 977-982. and trees, etc). At ICBA the green waste is establish a low cost compost production available once a week in summer (March - Written and submitted by: Dr Shagufta facility at the farm scale level using the Gill and Dr Abdullah Alshankiti September) and fortnightly in winter green wastes which otherwise goes to (October - February). Among the three landfills. Such an establishment leads to composting methods (windrows composting beneficial uses of compost to enhance soil piles, static piles, bins) static pile fertility, soil structure development and composting method was used, where green biological population essential for plant Announcement waste material was piled, moistened growth. Further to the direct beneficial uses (50-60%) and covered with polyethylene of compost, its product, such as fulvic acid New ICBA members sheet to reduce moisture loss. During the extracted from the compost can significantly first week the temperature ranged between improve seed germination and traits of (30-40°C), after fortnight it increased to native plant species (Prosopis cineraria and (50- 60°C) for a week and then maintained Acacia tortilis) that usually take long time to at (30-40°C). The material was manually germinate (Table 1). This has aerated (turning every alternate day). The consequences on the faster establishment microbial inoculation hastens the of nurseries and rapid rehabilitation of composting (Nair and Okamitsu, 2010; desert lands with the native trees. Setta Tutundjian Asad Sarwar Qureshi Ghaffari et al., 2011), therefore, we Director, Partnerships Irrigation/Water References and Knowledge Management Scientist inoculated the material with a consortium of Management microorganism (fungi, actinomycetes, Asing, J., Wong, N.C. & Lau, S. (2009) mycorrhiza, trichoderma and bacteria), Optimization of extraction method and resulting into (aggregation-adhesion characterization of humic acid derived from coals polysaccharides) stable and mature and composts. Journal of Tropical Agriculture and Food Science 37:211- 223. compost consisting of organic matter (38.2%), C/N 36:1, P (0.27%), K (0.75%), Ghaffari, S., Sepahi, A.A., Razavi, M.R., pH (7.7) and moisture (<10%). Malekzadeh, F. & Haydarian, H. (2011) Effectiveness of inoculation with isolated Priming of Seeds with Fulvic Acid The Anoxybacillus sp MGA110 on municipal solid Abdelaziz Hirich Sijimon Chamavalappil Prosopis cinerarium and Acacia tortilis are waste composting process. African Journal Post Doctoral Fellow Driver important native trees of UAE and the seeds Microbiological Research 5: 5373-5378. are poorly germinated. In an attempt to

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Plant genetic resources vital for food security and sustainable agriculture Representatives from 17 national and Forum on «The Role of Global Plant Genetic Resources for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture in the Middle East» at ICBA, Dubai, 11 November 2014 regional agricultural research, and government institutions gathered at ICBA better nutrition and providing food security; Knowledge Management (PKM) at ICBA, headquarters to discuss how plant genetic and finally, increasing the financial who added “This will encourage coordination resources can contribute to increasing resources available for plant genetics. of efforts to increase impact.” agricultural productivity, food production and Moving forward the participants agreed on “We hope that this will continue to raise food self-sufficiency in the Middle East. The the need to create a unified message from awareness of policy makers in this region forum also tackled how agriculture can all organizations that will represent a about the importance of conservation of crop adapt to a changing climate so as to build a collective voice which communicates one diversity”, said Luigi Guarino, Senior sustainable and resilient food production main theme, and support this message Scientist at Crop Trust; who added, that the system in the region, by drawing on with strong economic figures. conservation and use of crop diversity could available crop diversity. “My suggestion on this topic is that the help in making agriculture more sustainable The key priority areas that were identified organizations involved need to come regionally and globally vis-à-vis increasing during the panel discussion included: together and develop an overall stresses, mainly climate change. identifying the challenges agriculture is communication plan, that not only identifies The event, held on 11 November 2014, was facing; advancing the understanding of this overarching one message, but also organized by the Global Crop Diversity Trust politicians; understanding decision makers identifies the role of each organization and (Crop Trust) and the International Center for and the general public’s role in plant genetic the activities it will carry”, said Setta Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). resources for building resilient and Tutundjian, Director, Partnerships and sustainable agricultural systems; promoting

Speaking on the Agricultural occasion, Bin Fahad said the AIC falls in line with UAE Vision 2021, Innovation which is inspired by the National Work Program Center in of President His Highness Sheikh Sharjah, UAE Khalifa Bin Zayed Al H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister Nahyan, and aims to of Environment and Water, inaugurated, on position the UAE as 17 December 2014, the Agricultural one of the world’s best countries by 2021. Innovation Centre (AIC) in Al-Dhaid, H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad during the inauguration tour of AIC; on his left Sharjah, aimed to promote latest agricultural AIC further aims to hand side, Dr. Ismahane Elouaﬁ, Director General of ICBA, 17 December 2014 advancements and maintain the agricultural reinforce research in various agricultural sector’s sustainability in the UAE through applications and segments, including Agricultural Innovation Center is the state-of-the-art technological innovations, modern innovative technologies, to address International Center for Biosaline research works, and relevant consultations. the numerous requirements and challenges Agriculture, which works jointly with AIC in various joint studies covering local AIC will coordinate with international centers of modern agriculture. It aims to promote cooperation and exchange of expertise agricultural segments, such as a study on specializing in agricultural technologies the effects of multiple levels of salinity on the through the execution of joint scientiﬁc among concerned local authorities and relevant regional and international research production of some salinity-tolerant research and partnership programs and agricultural and pastoral crops. schemes to develop the UAE’s agricultural centers in the UAE and the rest of the world. system. One of the strategic partners for the

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various potential solutions , the Ministry of several key recommendations. Managing salt Agriculture in Ethiopia and the International First, the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and ICBA will lead the initiation of a ﬁve-year affected soils in co-organized a workshop that gathered project that will oversee both mitigation and together 22 representatives from the adaptation project activities in order to Ethiopian national research and rehabilitate the salt affected farms back to Ethiopia development organizations, private sectors, production. The major component will be Land degradation due to soil salinity in the regional and international development working on forage-livestock integration irrigated areas of Ethiopia is considered one partners; and key donor agencies. The systems along with applicable technologies of the main soil constraints and a severe workshop titled “Managing Salt Affected in these salt affected farms through problem for the growth of agriculture and Soils in Ethiopia.” was held in Addis Ababa collaboration with the International Livestock food security of the country. To discuss on 11-12 December 2014 and produced Research Institute (ILRI) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). After testing these integrated systems, the project will work on scaling-up applicable activities targeting 1 million hectare during the ﬁve years period. Training on the management of salt-affected lands and preventive measures to reduce soil salinization in irrigated lands will be a major component under the new projects as will be the development and implementation of policies and strategies.

«Managing Salt-Affected Soils in Ethiopia» workshop held at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 11-12 December 2014

the resource capacity of the soils using soil headquarters since 2013 and uses ICBA awarded amendments and assess efficiency through desalinated and brine water (by-product) remote sensing techniques. This will yield from a reverse osmosis (RO) unit. The better and more cost-effective crop project will address the challenge of two grants for production. This research aspect is very transforming this by-product into a resource important especially for Arabian Peninsula through IAAS with benefits for the young scientists countries where the soils are sandy in environment and farmers. The agronomic ICBA was recently awarded two grants nature (low nutrient and water holding performance, costs and potential revenues under the Young Water Scientist capacity, high infiltration rate) and require from the freshwater and brine-fed IAAS will Partnerships (YWSP) Small Grants Program high inputs to produce crops. The use of soil be reviewed to analyze the potential for for the Middle East and the North Africa amendments might enhance crop replication and scaling out. Network of Water Centers of Excellence productivity in sandy soils and decrease Through this project, the combined activities (MENA NWC) to collaborate with Arabian water consumption. Remote sensing of IAAS will generate opportunities for Gulf University in Bahrain and International techniques will help to assess the efficiency business for farmers in arid and semi-arid Water Management Institute respectively. of amendments on soil and crop production. areas. Their income could be increased Funding for these research projects that will Results and technologies from the study through reduction of costs (water recycling, be carried over the next 12 to 15 months is might even prove to be transferrable to other aquaculture effluents enriched with by the United States Agency for International countries with similar conditions to the nutrients) and yield increase from various Development (USAID). Arabian Peninsula. sources. In addition, the safe disposal of The “Improving agricultural soil properties The research project, “Improving economics saline wastewater (brine) water through its using soil amendments to enhance water of using saline water in arid and semi-arid recirculation for combined aquacultural and and nutrient use efficiency for crop areas through integrated aqua-agriculture agricultural purposes can constitute a more production in dry lands and assessing these systems (IAASs)” will be carried by Dr. environmentally feasible and friendly efficiencies via remote sensing techniques” Dionyssia Lyra (ICBA) and Mr. Javier solution, securing people’s health and research project will be carried by Dr. Henda Mateo-Sagasta (IWMI). The study will environmental sustainability. Al-Mahmoudi (ICBA) and Dr Ali El Battay mainly focus on the economic aspect of the (AGU). The aim of the project is to improve IAAS that has been operating at ICBA

Vol 15 | Issue 03 | December 2014 13 Events and Training

Investigation of seawater intrusion and inter-relationships between aquifers using integrated approach of isotopes and conventional techniques

Certiﬁcates distribution during the closing ceremony of the ICBA and IAEA workshop, 11 September 2014

Twenty participants from Iraq, Jordan, investment in science and technology and I would like to thank ICBA Oman, Syria, UAE, and Yemen completed a the importance of having more opportunities for holding this course. five-day training course on ‘Investigation of to share and debate acquired knowledge. This course was excellent Seawater Intrusion and Inter-relationships Participants’ feedback regarding seawater between Aquifers Using Integrated Approach intrusion. I am glad to be of Isotopes and Conventional Techniques’. The workshop we here in Dubai and taking This training was organized by the participated in was an part of this course. Amal International Center for Biosaline Agriculture excellent workshop using Alsayaheen, Jordan (ICBA) in collaboration with the International the isotope to study the salt intrusion and I feel proud of Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Dubai, from participating in this 7-11 September 2014. intermixing between different aquifers; we workshop. I fully The trainers included Mr Umaya Doss learned a lot. We would like to thank ICBA benefited from the highly Saravana Kumar (KISR, Kuwait), Mr Kamel for hosting the workshop and for IAEA for experienced and talented Zouari (Tunisia), and Dr Khalil Ammar sponsoring our participation. Talal Khalifa trainers. In general this (ICBA). Basic concepts of hydro chemical, Sail Al Hosn, Oman course was a great hydro-geological and isotopic techniques success and I thank ICBA represented by Dr applied to address groundwater salinization This workshop was very Ismahane Elouafi and the IAEA for funding problems with special emphasis on effective and enriching this course. Special thanks to the UAE in seawater intrusion were included. A especially with regards general and Dubai in particular for their hands-on approach was used in addition to to our work back home warm hospitality. Abdulmuneem Al-Areqi, theory. Dr Ismahane Elouafi, Director in tackling environmental Yemen General of ICBA, expressed ICBA’s pleasure issues related to water in organizing such a course and focused on scarcity. The learning the importance of having highly technical environment was very good and we thank training in science and technology since the organizers for their professional work in they bring hope for a better future in putting this course together. Zeyad marginal environments. Dr Elouafi Qawasmeh, Jordan emphasized the need for substantial

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Seminar on ICBA trains local ‘Sustainable government staff ICBA conducted two specialized training Intensification’ programs for the staff of the Ministry of Environment and Water (MoEW) in the United Arab Emirates, where more than 30 by Shenggen participants have participated in: ‘Production and Utilization of Forage Crops in Marginal Fan at ICBA Environments’ and ‘Specifications and Drylands constitute more than 40% of the Standards of Non-Conventional Water world’s cultivated systems and the livelihood Source: USAID 2011 Resources’. These courses are part of a series of joint training programs between of 2 billion people depends on drylands. gathered representatives from local MoEW and ICBA. However, high land and water constraints universities, government entities, and along with climate change with its increased international organizations. The production and utilization of forage frequency and intensity of extreme weather crops in marginal environment program The seminar by Dr Fan highlighted how events especially recurring drought spells covered: sustainable intensification, producing not only threaten food and nutritional nutritious foods with efficient use of input • Integrated approaches to crop production security in these areas but culminate into and natural resources on a durable basis, is under marginal conditions severe food crises and rising food prices. All an important step to improving food security of these critical aspects were the focus of a • Non-conventional forage crop resources, and nutrition in drylands. seminar on the “Sustainable intensification is production and propagation key to food security and nutrition in Integrated solutions to advance sustainable • Major crop and forage production systems drylands” by Dr Shenggen Fan, Director intensification were addressed. These in the UAE General of International Food Policy include increasing both crop and livestock • Rehabilitation strategies for salt-affected Research Institute (IFPRI). productivity; providing adaptive buffers farms in the UAE against emerging challenges; improving Dr Fan, visited the International Center for resource-use efficiency; and diversifying • Sustainable production, management and Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) on 12 livelihoods, thereby enhancing resilience for utilization of non-conventional forage crops November 2014, and part of his visit better food security and nutrition in drylands. included the seminar hosted by ICBA which • Irrigation management for water productivity in field and forage crops • Hands-on-training on salt-tolerant crops propagation While the course on specifications and standards of non-conventional water resources covered: • Integrated water resources in the UAE–conventional and non-conventional • Crops water demand and irrigation scheduling • Innovative irrigation technologies • Alternative crops for marginal lands • Environmental impacts of non-conventional water resources • Hands-on-training on irrigation scheduling ICBA has been involved since its establishment 15 years ago in supporting the development of national and international resources in the fields of agriculture in marginal environments using marginal water resources. Dr Shenggen Fan given a trou of ICBA research facilities and farm by Dr Shoaib Ismail, Director of Research and Innovations at ICBA

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Drought monitoring and early warning systems: The The side-event was part of an ongoing initiative between the University Nebraska Lincoln’s National Drought Mitigation Center, and ICBA funded under USAID’s Middle East/North Africa Network of possibilities and Water Center’s of Excellence program challenges in Drought continually impacts water and food drought monitoring and early warning security in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, systems. The possibilities and challenges in China, Australia, Central Africa, and developing these systems utilizing newly harnessing the California bringing loss of lives, and millions available data sets from satellites and of dollars of economic devastation. models were examined, including ICBA’s data revolution Managing the impacts of drought is work through the MAWRED program in the Drought affected many parts of the world in complex. Challenges include the provision of Middle East and North Africa region. The 2014. In light of this, the possibility of disaster relief, responsibilities and importance and best practices in ensuring harnessing data to develop drought governance across agencies and financing systems were both user-led as well as monitoring and early warning systems was activities. Whilst monitoring and early technology-led endeavors were emphasized the focus of an event run by ICBA’s warning systems are possible, they require a to ensure local ownership and so adoption. MAWRED1 project. The event was held at sometimes difficult marriage between a) Key questions addressed included those on the Water for Food Global Conference in earth observation and dynamic modeling sustaining these systems beyond the initial partnership with USAID2, NASA3, and the and b) user communities at both policy and project development phase. University of Nebraska Lincoln National field levels. With predicted increases in Drought Mitigation Center. Presenters and drought in some of the world’s major crop 1 MAWRED- Modeling and monitoring Agriculture approximately 55 attendees from various production areas, it is important that the and Water Resources for Development countries shared their experiences. With challenges and possibilities are explored to 2 USAID: United States Agency for International drought monitoring being a growing area of support water and food security initiatives. Development importance, data revolution offers great The discussions and presentations 3 NASA: National Aeronautics and Space possibilities that can help focus early highlighted experiences from different Administration management efforts and disaster relief. countries and regions in establishing

Dr Rachael McDonnell, head of the MAWRED UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman gave the opening project at ICBA remarks to the side-event

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Ther Farmers’ Field Day was part of the collaboration project between ICBA and ADFSC. The project worked at rehabilitation of abandoned farms in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate through introduction and adaptation of alternative forage crops with soil and water management.

At the Farmer’s Field Day, ICBA showcased Perennial salt-tolerant fodders have lived for salt-tolerant alternative crops that could over 10 years now at ICBA experiment fields Farmers’ field replace the high fresh water consuming and with the right water and soil Rhodes grass. Expert trainers informed management, soil salinity were maintained day: farmers on alternative feed that can be although irrigation used high saline water. In grown in saline soils, have high production addition, these fodders have high Salt-resistant rate, and low water consumption. In sustainable nutritional value for livestock addition, the demonstration farm displayed a and high level of production where the new automatic irrigation system, which was biomass could reach 30-35 fodder in the supported by a mini meteorological station tons/hectare/year. to remotely track and factor the climatic «Western conditions. Region» The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Service Centre (ADFSC) held a ‘Farmers Field Day’ in a model demonstration farm in Ghayathi, which focused on best farm management practices for agricultural in saline affected lands and using saline water and salt-tolerant crops. The ADFSC was established in 2009 by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and implemented by the GRM International to facilitate a change in the way agriculture and agribusinesses are conducted in the Western Region of the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The ADFSC acts as a link between the Abu Dhabi Government Dr Shoaib Ismail, Director of Research and Innovations at ICBA, during his opening speech of the and the farming community. farmers’ field day

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Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Emirates Authority (ADFCA) and attracted more than 25,000 visitors. It included popular features like traditional theatre and International kitchen, kids’ workshop and playground, date tree climbing, date tree planting, Date Palm date tasting oasis and date museum. The Emirates International Date Palm Festival: ICBA Festival was an opportunity to show ICBA’s research on date palm irrigated highlights 12 with wastewater as well as treated wastewater among the local, regional and international exhibitors and visitors. It years of date was a good venue to promote ICBA’s research in general and on forage crops palm research in particular that can be grown in There was big interest in ICBA’s research on integrated systems with date palm date palm and forage crops from visitors plantations. Ghazi Al-Jabri, Training and Events Coordinator at ICBA, during the 2014 Emirates International Date Palm Festival from the region to the Emirates International Mr. Al Jabri along with his colleague Eng. Date Palm Festival according to Ghazi Abdul Qader Abdul Rahman, who were both as well as determine the proper Al-Jabri, Training and Events Coordinator at present at the ICBA exhibition stand, management packages including the ICBA. The event this year was held under highlighted ICBA’s ongoing 12 years date amount of water required by the tree. It is the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin palm research that aims to test the affects of worthwhile to mention that recently ICBA Zayed Al-Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of saline water (mainly ground water) on started an experiment to evaluate the affect the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and maturity and productivity of these varieties of treated wastewater on date palm trees.

ICBA’s date palm trial site showcases the 18 most-demanded varieties of date palm from the Arabian Peninsula, 10 from UAE and 8 from Saudi Arabia; grown under three levels of salinity (low, medium, and high) for over a period of 10 years.

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closed session in which the board reviewed and sustainable agriculture. ICBA Board of the financial statements of the center, the Affecting policies is one side of the coin. The various achievements of 2014 in line with other is empowering the smallholder farms Directors ICBA’s 2013-2023 Strategy, and future in marginal environments. Hence, ICBA is plans. working on identifying the best crops, in ICBA‘s objective is to strengthen agricultural terms of productivity and nutritional value, inspects ICBA’s productivity in marginal and saline for various marginal regions as well as environments through identifying, testing identifying the best farm management impact on and facilitating access to sustainable practices. Simultaneously, disseminate solutions for food, nutrition and income acquired knowledge to individual agriculture in security. smallholder farms through various national In light of the growing world population and farmers’ services and unions. marginal lands food demand, coupled with the adverse ICBA’s multi-pronged approach to address effects of climate change, the need for salinity issues and strengthen the The International Center for Biosaline expertise in utilizing marginal lands for agricultural sector through better access to Agriculture (ICBA) was honored to host its nutritional food production will increase. technology, improved germplasm, policies, Board of Directors on 19-20 November 2014 Scientists predict that the world is losing strategies and programs, is critical for at the Center’s headquarters in Dubai. ICBA more than 1.5 million hectares of agricultural achieving greater water, environment, food, Board of Directors includes internationally land each year as a result of high salinity nutrition, and income security. As more and renowned scientists and leaders in the areas levels in the soil. In the Middle East and more countries start struggling with of agriculture, finance and international North Africa and Central Asian countries, agricultural land degradation and salinity development from regional and international 6.7% of the total land area is affected by issues, ICBA’s ground breaking research will organizations. salinity. be vital in meeting future food demands. The board members visited the facilities and During the past five years, ICBA carried the ongoing projects in the field and met with several studies and strategies with the UAE ICBA scientists to discuss the status of Ministry of Environment and Water and the current and future projects. They were also Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi covering given a snapshot of the impact ICBA’s work subjects related to water conservation, water has on the future of agriculture in marginal policies and laws, environmental guidelines, and saline lands. Day two included a

ICBA Board of Directors meeting on 20 November 2014 at ICBA in Dubai ABOUT ICBA

International Center for Biosaline Agriculture - ICBA is an international, Improving the generation and dissemination of knowledge is an important non-proﬁt agricultural research center established in 1999 that carriers strategic objective of ICBA and the Center is focusing on developing itself as research and development programs focused on improving agricultural a knowledge hub on sustainable management and use of marginal resources productivity and sustainability in marginal and saline environments. for agricultural production and environment protection in marginal and saline ICBA takes innovation as a core principle and the Center's multi pronged environments. With the help of its partners ICBA innovates, builds human approach to address the closely linked challenges of water, environment, capital, and encourages the learning that is fundamental for change. income, and food security include research innovations in the assessment of ICBA’s work reaches many countries around the world, including the Gulf natural resources, climate change adaptation, crop productivity and Cooperation Council countries, the Middle East and North Africa, Central Asia diversiﬁcation, aquaculture and bio-energy and policy analysis. The Center is and the Caucasus, South and South East Asia, and sub Saharan Africa. working on a number of technology developments including the use of Our work is mainly sponsored by three core donors: the Ministry of Water and conventional and non-conventional water (such as saline, treated wastewater, Environment of the United Arab Emirates, the Environment Agency - Abu industrial water, agricultural drainage, and seawater); water and land Dhabi, and the Islamic Development Bank. We gratefully acknowledge their management technologies and remote sensing and modeling for climate support as well as the support of many other bilateral and multilateral change adaptation. agencies that have sponsored components of our work over the years.