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.
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.
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.