KAUST researchers are using CarboSoil biochar and native biocrusts to revitalize arid lands in Saudi Arabia, enhancing soil fertility, capturing carbon, and reducing erosion. CarboSoil, engineered from poultry waste by KAUST's Himanshu Mishra, improves nutrient and water retention in desert soils. Terraxy, Mishra's startup, aims to convert all of Saudi Arabia's poultry waste into CarboSoil, supporting greening initiatives. Why it matters: This technology offers a sustainable solution to boost domestic food production, combat desertification, and reduce landfill waste in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom's food security and environmental goals.
Terraxy, a KAUST startup, is providing solutions to transform Saudi deserts into fertile landscapes using CarboSoil, an advanced biochar product. CarboSoil improves soil fertility, conserves water, and enhances plant growth, and is tailored to counteract the alkaline nature of Saudi sandy soils. Terraxy is working with Saudi Aramco and NEOM to implement its technologies, servicing over 60,000 native plants. Why it matters: This innovation directly supports the Saudi Green Initiative and offers a sustainable approach to combat desertification and promote food production in the region.
Edama Organic Solutions received $780,000 USD seed investment from the KAUST Innovation Fund. KAUST has also signed a contract to build a commercial-scale composting facility for Edama on its Thuwal campus, with a recycling capacity of 5,500 tons. Edama will manufacture and sell products, including Edama Desert Compost and Edama Palm Peat. Why it matters: This initiative promotes sustainable waste management practices in Saudi Arabia by turning organic waste into valuable soil improvement products tailored for desert environments.
KAUST is celebrating Saudi Arabia hosting World Environment Day 2024 by highlighting two KAUST startups: Terraxy and iyris. Terraxy produces Carbosoil, a soil amendment that renders sandy soils amenable for food production and greening. iyris designs technologies like greenhouse covers and shade nets to help growers increase crop yields and reduce input costs. Why it matters: These startups demonstrate Saudi Arabia's commitment to environmental sustainability through innovative, homegrown solutions, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for greening the nation and reducing organic waste.
Researchers at KAUST, USTC, and SUSTech have developed a method for carbon capture and storage using guanidinium sulfate salt to create clathrate structures that trap CO2 molecules. This salt-based structure mimics methane hydrate activity and captures CO2 through physisorption, without water or nitrogen interference. The method allows CO2 to be carried as a solid powder at ambient temperature and pressure, offering a less energy-intensive alternative to traditional methods. Why it matters: This innovation introduces a new, energy-efficient way to store and transport CO2 as a solid, potentially revolutionizing carbon capture and storage technologies in the region and beyond.
Edama Organic Solutions, a KAUST startup, has opened a new organic waste recycling facility in the KAUST Research and Technology Park. The facility is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia to use technology for waste processing and desert agriculture solutions. It will recycle 100% of KAUST's food and green waste, producing about 4,500 m3 of soil improver. Why it matters: This supports Saudi Vision 2030 by addressing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable agriculture in arid regions, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative.
A KAUST and King Abdulaziz University research team is using superhydrophobic sand to grow crops like tomatoes with less water. Superhydrophobic sand reduces water consumption in agriculture, the world's largest consumer of freshwater. The sand was developed by KAUST's Himanshu Mishra and Ph.D. student Adair Gallo Junior. Why it matters: This research offers a promising solution for water conservation in agriculture, especially in arid regions like the Arabian Peninsula, addressing critical water security challenges.
KAUST Professor J. Carlos Santamarina is researching solutions to the global energy challenge, focusing on sustainable energy production while reducing CO2 emissions. He notes the increasing energy demand due to population growth and the limitations of current energy sources. Santamarina emphasizes the need for fuel-producing countries to participate in carbon capture and storage to meet carbon targets. Why it matters: This research contributes to addressing critical sustainability challenges in the region, especially in oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia.