Agricultural gypsum application in UAE is a topic of great importance, as agricultural gypsum is considered an effective material in improving soil quality and increasing crop productivity. Agricultural gypsum consists mainly of calcium sulphate and is widely used in agriculture to improve soil properties. Agricultural gypsum contributes to treating many soil problems, such as increased salinity or deterioration of its structure. By adding gypsum, the permeability and aeration of the soil are improved, making it easier for plant roots to penetrate and access nutrients and water. This enhances the ability of crops to grow and bear fruit, which ultimately leads to increased agricultural productivity.
Moreover, agricultural gypsum is a good source of calcium and sulfur, which are essential elements for plant growth. Gypsum also helps reduce toxicity caused by aluminum in acidic soils, contributing to the reclamation of damaged land. In the UAE, where soils are often characterized by high salinity and low fertility, the use of agricultural gypsum is vital to improving agricultural conditions. In this article, we will review the benefits of gypsum and its many uses in the soil of the United Arab Emirates and how it can contribute to enhancing food security and achieving sustainable development.
Agricultural gypsum benefits
Improving soil quality
Agricultural gypsum has positive effects on soil structure. It helps improve soil permeability and aeration, facilitating the penetration of plant roots and increasing their ability to absorb water. It can also transform salty soil into arable agricultural soil, which contributes to increasing the arable areas in the Emirates.
Reducing soil salinity
Transforming saline soil: Gypsum reduces the salinity of the soil, making it arable. It helps remove harmful sodium and promotes salt balance in the soil.
Providing nutrients
Gypsum contains a high percentage of calcium and sulfur, which are two nutrients necessary for plant growth. Calcium enhances root development and reduces the effect of toxic aluminum that may be present in acidic soil. Sulfur, on the other hand, plays an important role in photosynthesis and protein synthesis.
Enhancing biological activity
Gypsum (calcium sulphate) plays an important role in improving soil biological activity through several mechanisms:
Improving soil structure
Gypsum helps improve soil structure, enhancing soil aeration and water flow. This improvement can lead to increased activity of soil microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which play a vital role in decomposing organic matter and cycling nutrients.
Long-term effects
Studies have shown that the benefits of using gypsum increase over time. Farmers using gypsum over the long term have seen significant improvements in soil fertility and crop productivity, demonstrating its sustained positive impact on soil biological activity.
Agricultural gypsum using ways
Gypsum can be used in different ways:
Adding it to the soil: Farmers can apply gypsum directly to the topsoil before planting or after harvesting. It is best applied at certain times of the year to achieve best results.
Solubility in irrigation water: Gypsum powder can also be dissolved in irrigation water and used as a liquid fertilizer, which facilitates the absorption of nutrients by plants.
The impact of agricultural gypsum in UAE
The United Arab Emirates faces major environmental challenges, most notably salinity and lack of fresh water. These challenges have a significant impact on agriculture and food security in the country. The use of agricultural gypsum in the UAE is considered an effective solution to improve agricultural conditions in this context.
1. Salinity
Salinity is one of the main problems affecting the quality of groundwater in the Emirates. Increasing water salinity makes it unsuitable for agricultural use, requiring innovative strategies to deal with this problem.
2. Lack of fresh water
The UAE suffers from a scarcity of fresh water due to the desert climate and high consumption rates. This increases pressure on available water resources, requiring the search for sustainable solutions.
Benefits of using agricultural gypsum in UAE
Improving soil quality: Gypsum helps reduce soil salinity, which enhances the ability of plants to grow.
Increased water use efficiency: It contributes to improving the soil’s ability to retain water, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
Promoting sustainable agriculture: The use of gypsum is part of sustainable agriculture strategies aimed at achieving food security under difficult environmental conditions.
Overcome the food challenge
Achieving food security in the UAE depends greatly on managing water resources effectively. The use of materials such as agricultural gypsum can contribute to increased crop production and improved agricultural sustainability, which is crucial in light of current environmental challenges.
In conclusion, confronting the challenges of salinity and lack of fresh water is a key priority for the UAE, as agricultural gypsum plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture and achieving food security.
Crops with the highest yield
Many products can benefit from the presence of agricultural gypsum, but below are the products that have the greatest efficiency in the UAE.
Tomatoes: One of the main agricultural products in the United Arab Emirates, which is considered due to its high demand and suitable growing conditions.
Vegetables: It includes different types of vegetables that can be used to improve soil quality and increase productivity.
Strawberries: As a high value-added product, strawberries are in demand in the UAE due to their good market and ability to grow in greenhouses.
Cucumber and Pepper: These two products can perform better in agriculture in the UAE using agricultural chalk.
Mushrooms: Growing mushrooms in controlled environments, using chalk to improve soil quality, is one of the profitable methods of agriculture in the UAE.
Conclusion
Using agricultural gypsum in UAE is an important step towards improving soil quality and increasing crop productivity. With its multiple benefits such as improving soil structure, providing nutrients and enhancing biological activity, gypsum can contribute significantly to the development of the country’s agricultural sector.
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