Dutch provide integrated water solutions for date production

Transcription

1 Dutch provide integrated water solutions for date production Higher yield Better quality Less water

2 The cultivation of dates is crucially important to the economic well-being of countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Innovative and sustainable solutions are essential for the realisation of a higher yield and better-quality fruit. Add to that, a 70 percent reduction in water consumption and a cost-efficient business operation, and the ingredients for success are at hand. This is the mission that Dutch experts at the interface between agriculture and water are pursuing; an approach that can also be adapted to other crops than date palms. Knowledge of soil quality The soil is the basis. So knowledge of the soil is vital. Innovative testing methods create a clear picture of the quality of the soil, which serves as the starting point for fertilisation. These tests are conducted during the growing season, the best time to detect any deficiencies in the supply of nutrients. Targeted, expert advice on fertilisation ensures that all nutrients are utilised to the full, promoting optimal growth and healthy palm trees. A clear understanding of the moisture-buffering capacity of the soil prevents unnecessary and excessive water consumption which, in turn, stops fertilisers from leaching. The dosage of nutrients and water is calculated precisely to meet the needs of the tree and specific stages of growth. Improving the soil New insights are highlighting the importance of healthy organic soil, particularly its capacity to deliver vital nutrients for uptake by the roots. Dutch experts are developing innovative solutions for improving soil. Organic substances, compost, mulching, and soil fungi all play a role in this process. Monitoring healthy growth Remote sensing and satellite images locate immediately where a crop is under stress. Some parts may lack irrigation or fertilisation, others may have been struck by disease or plagues. Fast detection leads to swift intervention and prevents further losses. Smart with less water The annual average water consumption per hectare of dates in the Gulf-region is approximately m 3. A combination of monitoring, knowledge of soil quality, and new dosage techniques can reduce this figure by 70 percent. It happens in three steps: Knowledge of the soil: insight into the moisturebuffering capacity of the soil prevents excessive water consumption and leaching of nutrients. Sensors measure the moisture in the soil. An automatic signal sent to a mobile phone or computer keeps the farm manager up to speed 24/7 and warns him when irrigation is needed. Water-saving drip-irrigation systems, better distribution of water around the tree, and regulated discharge of water can prevent evaporation losses and seepage to deeper layers of the soil (beyond reach of the roots). Permanent flow meters indicate the efficiency level of the system.

3 Dutch expertise for innovative solutions The Dutch are bringing together their expertise in agriculture and water management. Our fertile soil and our smart solutions have made us the world s secondlargest exporter of agri-food products, after the United States. Living in a country, mostly below sea level, has honed our water-management skills and made us an innovative water partner worldwide. We can rise to the toughest water-related challenges. The Dutch water and agricultural sectors are teaming up to develop new solutions for water re-use and better irrigation. Our integrated approach consists of cooperation, efficient use of land and water, and an effective response to natural conditions. We are looking for long-term sustainable solutions in partnership. Let s work together! Multiple savings through automation There are excellent opportunities for automating irrigation processes; customised solutions to suit different sections of a plantation are also realisable. New systems and good GSM connections offer possibilities for remote management. Sensor-based monitoring makes it possible from a central point to determine when to give water, in which quantities and for which period, and whether fertiliser needs to be added. Investment in, for example, leak prevention pays off very fast by generating savings in labour, water and energy. Better management of groundwater supply Irrigation water is being extracted at increasingly deeper levels; 1500-meterdeep wells are no longer an exception. Much of this fossil water is used at present for date palms. Measuring systems based on electric signals provide prompt insight into the availability and quality of groundwater in shallow and deep earth, and enable the size of freshwater aquifers to be determined. The potential for supplementation and the threat of salinity can also be assessed so that any damage can be effectively limited. Training and service are essential We are committed to provide solutions that countries and regions can implement themselves. It is essential to train local specialists to be even better water managers and irrigation experts, so training forms an integral part of our approach. Quality is high on our service-agenda once our installations are up and running, to ensure a continuation of the agreed performance.

4 Contact / more information Dutch agricultural representations in the Middle East and North Africa: In the GCC, through the Embassy in Riyadh T E RIY-LNV@minbuza.nl In the Maghreb, through the Embassy in Rabat T +212 (0) E RAB-LNV@minbuza.nl In Egypt, through the Embassy in Cairo T +20 (0) E KAI-LNV@minbuza.nl Netherlands Water Partnership P.O. Box EH The Hague The Netherlands T +31 (0) E info@nwp.nl I Useful websites: صفقة جيدة GOOD DEAL Social

5