KAUST researchers are contributing new information about desert and mangrove plants to support Saudi Arabia's Green Initiative. They are creating a soil atlas for Saudi Arabia, studying soil profiles and microbial populations in hyperarid regions. The team has also compiled the world’s largest biobank of desert microbes, sequencing each microbe's genome. Why it matters: This research is crucial for ensuring the success and sustainability of large-scale greening efforts in arid environments like Saudi Arabia.
A KAUST-led study across 25 countries found livestock management as critical as climate in explaining woody species coverage in arid zones. The BIODESERT research network analyzed livestock management, fire, climate, and soil, finding that grazing pressure and herbivore type significantly impact arid ecosystems. Researchers are identifying conditions where grazing pressure can be optimized for sustainable production. Why it matters: The findings enable targeted interventions through livestock management and policies, offering localized solutions for sustainable production in arid regions crucial for 2 billion people.
KAUST's Center for Desert Agriculture is holding an international conference on November 3-5, 2014, focusing on desert rhizosphere microbes for sustainable agriculture. Researchers aim to understand how plants survive in extreme conditions by studying microbes that help them tolerate heat, drought, and salt. They will explore genetic engineering and natural microbe usage to improve crop performance under heightened stress conditions. Why it matters: This research is critical for adapting agricultural systems to global warming and meeting future food production challenges in arid regions like the Middle East.
KAUST and international collaborators discovered that the Rub’ Al-Khali desert was once a vast lake and river system that supported grasslands and savannahs. The "Green Arabia" period, marked by heavy rainfall, facilitated the growth of a lake covering 1,100 km² with a depth of 42 meters, which overflowed and carved a 150 km valley. The research, published in Communications Earth & Environment, highlights the impact of climate cycles on landscapes and human societies. Why it matters: Understanding the past climate transformations in the Arabian Peninsula is crucial for predicting the consequences of current climate change and its impact on regional habitability.
KAUST has inaugurated the Center for Desert Agriculture (CDA) to focus on research and real-world solutions for local, regional, and global agriculture. Professor Rod Wing will lead the CDA, focusing on crop plant variation, while Professor Mark Tester will serve as associate director, continuing his work on salt tolerance in crops. Other professors, such as Salim Al-Babili and Heribert Hirt, will continue their research into areas including combating parasitic weeds and global food security. Why it matters: The center's focus on desert agriculture and food security addresses critical regional and global imperatives, aligning with Saudi Arabia's broader goals of sustainable development and innovation in food production.
Professor Heribert Hirt has been appointed as the new Director of KAUST's Center for Desert Agriculture, succeeding Dr. Nina Fedoroff. Professor Mark Tester will assume the role of Associate Director, concentrating on desert agriculture and translational research. Dr. Salim Al-Babili will chair the newly established Plant Sciences program focusing on arid environments. Why it matters: These leadership changes signal KAUST's continued investment in agricultural research and development tailored to challenging desert conditions.
KAUST hosted the Saudi Food Futures Forum, uniting scientists, industry partners, and policymakers to strengthen food security in arid regions. The forum showcased KAUST's Center of Excellence (CoE) for Sustainable Food Security and facilitated collaboration to accelerate farming innovation. KAUST's Wadi Qudaid Experiment Station serves as a real-world technology deployment platform for sustainable farming and desert-restoration technologies. Why it matters: The event highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to using science and innovation to address food security challenges in line with Vision 2030.