Dr. Ahmed El Naggar, a dedicated soil scientist within Sustainable Natural Resources Management Section at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) is determined to unlock the secrets of soil fertility and explains the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving experts from various agricultural departments to enhance the research.
Dr. El Naggar explains that while the land in the United Arab Emirates is challenging for agriculture, there is potential for carbon sequestration as the carbon content in the soil is almost negligible. In the heart of this arid land, where the sun blazes relentlessly and the soil holds little promise, ICBA has invested in new technologies to optimise agriculture while also reducing its carbon footprint.
The ongoing research at ICBA includes exploring various soil amendments to address these challenges. One of the key components of this research is the use of biochar, a product derived from the pyrolysis process of biomass. Alongside biochar, organic materials such as compost and animal manure are also being investigated to improve soil properties. However, these materials undergo rapid mineralization in the soil due to the region’s high temperature and specific water management practices. “This accelerated breakdown means that they do not contribute significantly to the long-term carbon content of the soil,” explains Dr. El Naggar.
“These amendments can improve or enhance the soil’s chemical, physical, or biological properties. So, we are experimenting with different kinds of amendments with various ideas and composition,” explains Dr. El Naggar.
One of these soil amendments is biochar – a product of biomass decomposition that holds the key to carbon sequestration. Research shows that biochar not only sequesters carbon but also decreases the evaporation rate, which is beneficial in cases of water scarcity.
“Biochar acts as a sponge,” he explains. The sponge retains more water and nutrients. The amendments come with a very high specific area, which allows a lot of reactions to take place in the surface of the biochar, including the growth of fungi and other microorganisms, and hence, increasing biodiversity as well.
Findings from California State University, Fresno; Memorial University of Newfoundland; and University of the West Indies have recorded changes in soil microbial communities towards nitrogen-fixing microbes capable of converting nitrogen into forms readily accessible for crops. This shift occurred when utilizing a system described as an “air/water slurry”.
Biochar is a resilient substance abundant in carbon, derived from organic waste or biomass subjected to controlled combustion with restricted oxygen. Its characteristics are influenced by the specific source material used in its production. It is the thermal decomposition of biomass in the absence of oxygen or in low oxygen condition.
“Biochar is specifically different from any soil amendment in the market,” he explains. In this case, the carbon is not reactive, unlike in manure and compost. Therefore, it is not released back into the air.
He explains that the lack of widespread adoption of biochar is due to economic barriers and the need for societal recognition of its environmental benefits.
“The fact it is not yet adopted by the industry has nothing to do with science. The science is solid and sure of the environmental benefit of biochar,” he explains.
Farmers in the UAE primarily rely on compost and manure, which provide immediate nutrient benefits to the soil. In contrast, the use of biochar primarily contributes to carbon sequestration and organic matter build-up, offering long-term soil health improvements. However, biochar is relatively poor in nutrients compared to other amendments, so farmers will need to supplement it with mineral fertilizers. “This additional investment can make the return on investment (ROI) for biochar less immediately tangible for farmers compared to other amendments,” explains Dr. El Naggar.
He continues, “The challenge lies in who will bear the cost of this ecosystem service. When farmers apply biochar, they are contributing to environmental sustainability, but the direct financial benefits may not be immediately evident. This economic barrier is one of the reasons why the adoption of biochar has been slow.”
Dr. El Naggar emphasizes the long-term commitment required for soil improvement, stating, “It is not easy to change our soil; it takes thousands of years to reform. But investing in biochar and similar amendments is a step toward sustainable agriculture and a healthier planet.”
