Researchers at Khalifa University have developed a low-cost, sustainable technology aimed at improving degraded sandy soils in arid regions. By tackling water scarcity and poor soil fertility at the same time, the innovation directly targets one of the biggest barriers to food security in the Gulf.
The research team extracted nanocellulose fibres from discarded pineapple peels and used them as a soil-enhancing material. According to findings reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), these fibres significantly improve sandy soil properties.
The treatment of soils resulted in increased water retention, improved mechanical stability, and enhanced nutrient availability that transformed loose sand into fertile land suitable for cultivation.
Scientists conducted research to examine the interaction between nanocellulose and soil materials through an extended time period, which they used to measure three different factors: long-term stability, nutrient retention, and plant growth capacity of the soil.
The results show that soils that received nanocellulose treatment maintain their structural integrity and soil fertility for a longer period than untreated soils, which shows the benefits of nanocellulose treatment during dry weather conditions.
The stability of this system enables farmers who work in arid areas to increase their agricultural output while using less water for irrigation purposes.
Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said the project aligns with the UAE’s strategic priorities in food security and water management.
He observed that the approach becomes capable of being expanded to larger projects, which can be executed at low expense because it depends on waste materials that can be found in the local area.
The advantages of enhanced agricultural output lead to outcomes that reach beyond their primary agricultural advantage. The method transforms pineapple peels, which would become waste, into agricultural material while decreasing organic waste.
The process creates a soil enhancer from a local by-product, which enables circular economy operations to restore degraded land while protecting water resources and agricultural practices in dry regions.