Muscat: An experiment to make fertile soil (Orunil) with saline quality and presence of sodium in the country has been successful. Phase 1 and 2 of the research on soil recovery using special fertilizers have been successfully completed. The experiment was conducted to address the problem of soil salinity across southern Bathinda. It was led by Oman Shell, Shell Agriculture and Forestry and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).
Earlier, Oman Shell had conducted a study on the efficiency of Sulfur Fertilizer Special S, manufactured using Shell Theogro technology, in collaboration with the University. This study was aimed at converting saline and sodium rich soils into suitable for agriculture by acidifying the soil.
The first phase of the research involved lowering soil pH (a measure of soil acidity and alkalinity) with Special S. Salt was also filtered from five types of soil collected from different farms in the country. The application of Special S was clearly indicative of soil acidification. It was found that this fertilizer was used to filter salt and double the filtered salt. Field experiments were also conducted to analyze how plants would respond to this change in soil. A 13 percent increase in the yield of rhodes grass and a 59 percent increase in the yield of wheat were found. Rhodas grass uptake of calcium and phosphorus was 75 and 14 percent respectively.
A socio-economic survey was also conducted to understand farmers’ views on soil salinization and its management. Their willingness to adopt a new strategy for soil desalination was also understood. It was found that 62 percent of the farmers do not apply any specific strategy to reduce salinity. 82 percent expressed willingness to buy amended soil. Managing saline soils can increase the sustainability of farms.
The second phase also tested the application of Special S compared to the method of leaching soil salt using limestone. Special S is 31 to 37 percent more efficient than limestone in grinding salt.
Researchers have recommended that one ton of Special S fertilizer be applied to the soil per hectare per year. This is based on first and second phase studies.
It is also recommended that 4-2 ds/m of electricity is required due to poor quality of irrigation water. According to the Oman Salinity Action Plan 2012, 30-40 farms in South Bathina are facing this situation. Walid Hida, chairman of Oman Shell, said that increasing soil salinity is a major concern for farmers.
Due to increasing salinity in the soil, the farmers of the area faced a decline in their crops and reduced profits. He also stated that studies have been conducted which will contribute greatly to the productive and sustainable agriculture sector.