The University of Sharjah (UOS) in the UAE has signed a collaborative research agreement with DAVAS Prime Middle East Manufacturing.

The agreement aims to foster research collaboration focused on enhancing the efficacy of glauconite as a soil ameliorant in arid and torrid desert environments. This enhancement will be achieved through glauconite’s integration with biochar and biostimulants with the ultimate objective of fostering sustainable agricultural practices throughout the Gulf region, the Middle East and North Africa.

Glauconite is a potassium silicate mineral, a member of the mica group, commonly found as grains or pellets in marine sedimentary rocks, particularly in greensand formations, and forms in shallow marine environments. When used as a soil amendment, glauconite exhibits the potential to enhance moisture retention capabilities and supplement deficient soils with vital minerals such as potassium, iron and magnesium. Some research adds that it enhances soil properties and structure. Historically, glauconite was used as a potassium fertilizer in agriculture due to its high potassium content.

According to a news release, the partnership will advance joint applied research projects “centering on improving the properties of desert soils and increasing their productivity through the strategic application and refinement of glauconite.”

The research project will unfold in two distinct phases: The initial phase will encompass controlled greenhouse experiments designed to ascertain the optimal blend of glauconite, biochar and biostimulants for the cultivation of both wheat and lettuce. The subsequent phase will entail field trials conducted at the wheat farm in the Mleiha region of Sharjah, with a view to validating the effectiveness of these amendments under authentic agricultural conditions.

It is anticipated that the findings of this research will contribute to improvements in soil fertility, increase crop yields, enhance the efficiency of water utilization, and foster a more resilient microbial ecosystem within the soil. These advancements are expected to facilitate the wider adoption of sustainable agricultural practices over the long term in arid and semi-arid regions.