Given the limited water and soil resources, coupled with the pressing demand for food due to the annual population increase, the objectives of the Land and Water Department are formulated. These objectives focus on developing numerous abandoned agricultural areas by reclaiming and cultivating available land using modern technologies that optimize water and land use to maximize returns and benefits. This aims to expand beyond limited agricultural land to encompass vast reclaimed areas, thereby establishing new development communities. The department's research and development initiatives consider diverse ecosystems and geographical regions, while also addressing all success factors, including human resources and supporting infrastructure such as equipment, laboratories, and well-developed plans ready for implementation upon request and with the necessary funding.
The department aims to conduct the following studies and research:
Geological surveys to identify rock units, geomorphological features, sedimentary basins, and structural features.
Exploration and evaluation of water resources, determining the thickness and extent of groundwater aquifers, and identifying optimal well drilling locations.
Design and drilling of groundwater wells. Studies on rainwater management, including estimating rainfall volume, flow, and losses, identifying flood risk levels, and developing rainwater harvesting systems to mitigate flood risks, utilize rainwater, and promote rainfed agriculture.
Studies on the management of surface and groundwater resources using mathematical models and determining safe extraction levels from groundwater wells.
Studies on new and renewable energy sources as alternatives to traditional energy sources in various applications.
Soil surveys, classification, and mapping through field studies, satellite imagery, and geographic information systems (GIS).
Evaluation of different soil types within their natural environment, including origin and morphological studies, classification based on agricultural potential, and prioritization of their use.
Study and evaluation of the chemical, physical, and mineralogical properties of soils, the relationship between soil, plants, and water, and the impact of mineral composition on soil characteristics. Assessing soil fertility and determining fertilizer needs, introducing organic farming systems, recycling agricultural and organic waste, and producing bio-inoculates, bio-fertilizers, and bio-pesticides to combat diseases in field crops, vegetables, and medicinal plants in newly reclaimed lands, thereby improving plant growth and productivity under varying stress conditions.
Conducting studies on land resource management and the use of agricultural mechanization in different soil types, investigating the factors contributing to soil erosion and productivity decline, developing methods to mitigate these effects, and managing irrigation and drainage systems under varying conditions.
Monitoring and combating desertification, including land degradation, water and soil salinization, groundwater depletion, and other contributing factors.
Developing training and extension programs for individuals and investors involved in various development zone activities.
Disseminating and exchanging expertise with relevant local, regional, and international organizations and institutions specializing in agricultural development.
Conducting scientific research that serves the land and water sectors and generates economic returns, thereby contributing to land conservation and protection from desertification.
Providing agricultural and service-related consulting services in the fields of land and water. Conducting and publishing scientific, economic, and social research and studies to develop practical solutions to agricultural economic problems, optimize the use of agricultural resources, maximize production from available land and water resources, and protect and develop the environment.
Contributing to the organization of training courses and workshops in the field of land and water.
