Soil survey findings announced

Abu Dhabi, 13 Nov. 2012 (WAM) -- Findings of the two-year nation-wide soil survey will empower farmers, planners and developers to better evaluate the potential of soil for agricultural and engineering purposes.

The survey, which provides input to the UAE Soil Information System (UAESIS), will help scientifically understand the exact components of the country's soil and provide a reference for decision markers and researchers.

The Ministry of Environment and Water and the Environment Agency -Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced today results of the soil survey which covered the emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with an estimated total area of 5000 square kilometers, with the exception of mountain areas and cities.

Federal and local entities along with soil experts from the US, Australia, and New Zealandwere involved in the key research project. Soil survey, or soil mapping, is the process of classifying soil types and other soil properties in a given area and geo-encoding such information.

The project commenced in June 2010 and featured a broad range of comprehensive field works, web soil survey, laboratory analytical testing of physical and chemical properties of soil, establishing data bases, compiling soil atlas, identifying optimum land use and building national capacities.

Minister of Water and Environment Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad said the soil surveyhighlighted the UAE's commitment to conservation of the environment and natural resources and to sustainable management of resources in implementation of the UAE Vision 2021 towards the sustainable development.

As it provides a complete log and maps of land, the minister added, it helps decision makers to make better informed future decisions when it comes to land use, planning and managing agricultural, industrial and economic development and green economic plans.

''The findings will advance the UAE's efforts to fight soil deterioration, desertificationand have better integrated water and soil management in place,'' he said.

According to him, the survey provides a direct boost to national efforts for developing knowledge and establishing environmental data bases.

Razan Al Mubarak, EAD Secretary General, said the survey provides information for understanding, managing, conserving and sustaining the soil resources and identifies reclamation areas for agriculture.

The final report, she added, will be the most accurate scientific reference for soil resourcesin the UAE which will guide strategies, policies and plans in future.

The survey, she noted, helps planners to understand that soil is a key component of the ecological system.

A studying and analyzing of mineral and biological structure of the soil is another benefit.

With Abu Dhabi and Dubai having undertaken their soil surveys, the UAE is now boasting of having an integrated soil map.