Damascus, Syria
by
Jamal S. Dougrameji
Head, Soil-Water Division
INTRODUCTION
Farmers have tended to over exploit natural resources up to the present in the absence of scientific and technological help and social and financial aid. The balance between the human population and the natural resources has been upset, either because of climatic fluctuations or man's intervention or due to a complex interaction of these two factors. Where this has continued unchecked, it has led to the loss of valuable plant species, lower soil fertility and, ultimately, their replacement by large areas of unproductive lands, salt affected soil and barren sand dunes.
With the above background in mind, ACSAD was established in September 1971 in order to find some solution to these problems in the Arab countries. As indicated by the title, its studies will cover the arid zones and dry land regions where soils and environmental conditions are almost similar. Therefore, soil and water management and conservation, soil reclamation, irrigation, drainage, soil fertility, groundwater resources, field crops, animal resources, range management and climatology are given the highest consideration.
OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of the Soil-Water Division are:
1. Reclamation of salt affected soils in pilot areas through:PRESENT PROGRAMME 1972-1974a. determination of critical depth and spacing of drainage systems;2. Reclamation of sandy soils and sand. dunes by means of biological, mechanical and chemical methods in selected pilot areas.
b. testing of different methods of leaching and leaching requirements for different soil types;
c. testing of drainage materials;
d. crop rotation and fertilization;
e. study of salt and water balance;
f. economical feasibility of soil reclamation.3. Studies on fertilizer requirements of the farm crops and fruit trees.
4. Studies on the problems of gypsic and calcic soils and their management.
5. Studies on water requirements of the important farm crops in selected climatological regions.
6. Studies on the use of saline water in soil reclamation and irrigation.
7. Studies on methods of soil and water analysis.
8. Soil and water conservation in dry farming regions,
The accomplishment of these objectives will be carried on through:
i. research studies in relation to the development of agriculture in the arid zones of the Arab countries;ii. cooperation with local regional and international scientific organizations concerned;
iii. training technicians and specialists in methods of survey, conservation and utilization of natural resources in arid zones;
iv. publication of important findings as well as documentation of scientific information.
The present programme of ACSAD includes:
1. Reclamation and management of salt affected soils in the Euphrates basin at Der El Zor pilot project to:a. find the best drain spacing;2. Study of the water requirements of cotton and wheat in the Euphrates basin at Der El Zor pilot project using lysimeters and field plots.
b. find the best drain depth;
c. study leaching methods and requirements;
d. select the best crop rotations for reclaimed soils.3. Study of the relationships between water use efficiency and fertilization of wheat and cotton at Der El Zor pilot project.
4. Studies of the response of some fruit trees to different levels of fertilizers.
5. Studies on soil conservation in high rainfall areas through cultural practices in the Lattakia region.
