QU researchers work on bio-fertilizer to grow crops with seawater

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) Qatar University (QU) researchers are collaborating with Agrico and the Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Tunisia, to develop sustainable methods to increase crop production. QU's Center for Sustainable Development (CSD) was recently awarded a project to produce biological fertilizers based on salt-tolerant microorganisms to promote organic crop production in Qatar. The project responds to the Food Security Call from the Qatar National Research Fund and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, and aims to increase Qatar’s food security sustainably. This bio-fertilizer will improve plant productivity and fruit quality, enhance soil quality, and allow for the use of saltwater for the sustainable production of conventional crops such as tomatoes. The ability of crops to grow using saltwater will permit for a drastic alleviation of the pressure on Qatar’s scarce ground-water resources. Dr. Imen Saadaoui, Research Associate Professor at CSD and Co-Lead-PI of the project, said, ''This novel biofertilizer will increase the soil quality and enhance the salt tolerance capacity of the plant, which will allow for the use of irrigation waters with higher salt concentrations. This can play an important role in promoting sustainable food production in Qatar.” The project will foster international collaboration between local researchers and the Center of Biotechnology of Sfax (Tunisia), where the technology originates.   Dr. Slim Tounsi, Director of the Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax and Lead-PI of the project, commented, ''We are thrilled to work together with our colleagues at Qatar University to pilot this technology. We believe it can have a significant impact on the sustainability of the food supply chain in Qatar and look forward to seeing it in action.” The project is in collaboration with Agrico, where the novel technology will be demonstrated. Agrico, one of Qatar’s leading crop producers, is excited to be one of the first to apply this new technology. The Biological and Environmental Sciences department at Qatar University (QU) marked Biological Diversity International Day to enhance understanding of the importance of maintaining balance in the environment. The day also supports achieving sustainable development goals, particularly after raising global factors such as climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources as causes of biodiversity loss. Many scientists worldwide, including the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (DBES) at Qatar University, are focusing on inventions and studies to find the best way to conserve biological diversity. Professor Mohammed AbuDieyeh, Acting Department Head at Biological and Environmental Sciences, emphasized the university’s position in preserving natural resources. ''The mission of QU is to promote any science, academic programs, courses, and scientific activities that preserve living and non-living natural resources,” he said. Although the campus is being increasingly urbanised, QU is one of few universities that allocate large land areas inside the campus as natural protected areas. Prof Mohammad Al Ghouti, Professor of Environmental Sciences, said, ''Qatar’s national biodiversity policy seeks to foster biological diversity protection and environmental balance, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources and equitable distribution of biodiversity benefits. Excessive use of natural resources is one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss worldwide since it wastes natural resources and threatens the environment.” ''Qatar environmental sustainability strategy is one of the most important pillars of the national strategy that aims to achieve sustainable development in various aspects to achieve environmental balance and curb excessive exploitation,” Prof Al Ghouti added. Dr. Fatima Al Khayat, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, said preserving biodiversity is crucial for the next generations. ''Preserving biodiversity is a shared responsibility that means preserving the heritage and wealth of the nations because of its economic importance. The acceleration of human activity invades many natural environments and threatens wildlife, which results in an imbalance in the ecological balance. That is why we should preserve the biological heritage remains for the next generation. Through, establishing seed and gene banks, and appropriate environment for endangered native organisms.” Dr. Radhouane Ben Hamadou, Associate Professor of Environmental Science, said, ''Life on earth is driven by a variety of species, estimated to be currently around 10 to 15 million, all interconnected between each other in a way or another. Biodiversity is about the diversity of different living things one can find in a system in a specific area is related to the diversity of different living things.” ''The more significant microorganism, plant, insect and animal species there are in one area, the greater the biodiversity and the healthier the ecosystem will be. The food and water we consume, the air we breathe, the energy that drives our life, so our health and wealth are all supported by various species, providing us an infinite number of services, supporting life, and making earth the only living planet. Any loss of a species means losing a function within the environment, means losing service to humans,” he added. Dr. Yousria Soliman, Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences, said, ''The causes of biodiversity loss are multiple. However, the most important is the destruction of habitats due to overexploitation and urbanization. Pollution is another threat to biodiversity, especially those pollutants that cross the borders of countries through air and ocean currents affecting broader regions. ''Global warming and climate change are on the list of causes for biodiversity loss. The average global temperature will likely rise 2 degrees Celsius by 2050, which will lead to rising sea levels of about 30cm, leading to the disappearance of thousands of plants and animals.”  MENAFN21052021000063011010ID1102110097