Recycling of date palm by-products in Al Kuwaitet research station in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates


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Date

2016-10-01

Date Issued

2016-10-01

Citation

Mohamed Ben-Salah. (1/10/2016). Recycling of date palm by-products in Al Kuwaitet research station in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Amman, Jordan: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).
Soils in Al Ain as in all dry areas are known as poor in organic matter. Organic matter has to be added every year to maintain the soil fertility and to guarantee sustainable agricultural productivity. The needs of organic fertilizer become more important with intensification and increase of productivity. The price of organic ferilizer is rising annually. Given the lack of manure, the compost can be used in support or replacement as organic fertilizer. Recycling and reuse of date palm by-products in research station in UAE can ameliorate the soil quality and to reduce the cost of manure supply. Composted date palm and fruit trees by-products can enhance soil fertility and can also avoid negative effects on the pollution and disease dissemination and insects living in vegetal waste. The common practice elimination of by-products by burning is disputed the health risks and even more for the negative effects on the environment. The main problem of date palm by-products is their dryness and cellulose-rich consistency that requires prior grinding before their composting. The process of composting need also supply of water and this can create managing and pollution risk problem. This study is presented as a technical concept note of establishment of composting date palm and fruit trees station in the Al Kuwaitet research station in Al Ain. Just date palm and fruit trees by-products are considered but sure that the volume of agricultural wastes is more important with other production activities. This study aims to introduce the experience of better utilization of the date palm and citrus fruit trees by-products for soil fertilization and to reduce the bad effect of burning or the stocking by-products in the station. However, the unvalued by-products may constitute an encumbrance and can contribute to the development of harmful diseases for the date palm and other plants.

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