International Center For Biosaline Agriculture - (Private)
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The need for ICBA arose from the realization that fresh water resources are overexploited in much of the developing world and that other sources of water must be exploited to make agricultural expansion possible. Expert consultations concluded that one such source, saline water, has never been optimally utilized for irrigated agriculture. ICBA was thus established to generate new knowledge and technology in irrigation with saline water as well as to gather, synthesize and disseminate information in this field.
Making this information available to poor farmers who must rely on saline water to grow their crops will contribute to increased food and feed productivity on their farms and improve their living conditions. ICBA learns from experiences the world over regarding its research agenda. We contribute to the knowledge pool as we enhance our understanding of biosaline agriculture through interaction with our partners, beneficiaries and donors. The center's programs are dynamic and continue to evolve as we respond to present and future challenges.
Facilities
ICBA’s modern office and laboratory facilities are located at its headquarters near Al Ruwayyah, 25 km south of central Dubai. Specially equipped laboratories support each of our major research areas: plant genetic resources, agronomy, soil and water. Our research and demonstration station at Al Ruwayyah consists of 100 hectares, of which 35 hectares have been leveled and developed for irrigated agriculture. The remainder has been left in its original condition, providing a valuable resource for studies of indigenous flora and fauna. ICBA has access to two sources of water, one of low salinity (2,000 ppm), the other of high salinity (20,000 ppm).Mixing water from these sources gives us access to water ranging from moderate to extreme levels of salinity – a unique facility unmatched in the Gulf region and available to few centers anywhere. Our computer-controlled irrigation system allows precise control of the quantity and amount of salinity of the irrigation water applied to any part of the experiment plots. Water can be applied by sprinkler, drip, bubbler or traveling irrigator systems, allowing us to replicate a wide range of current irrigation practices. ICBA has four air-conditioned greenhouses and a shade house to provide climate-controlled conditions for plant experiments and to facilitate the transfer of plants between environments.
The greenhouses provide a secure environment for plant genetic resources work, especially seed multiplication. The shade house provides a cool, shaded environment that will allow field experiments to be continued through the summer months. Our three cold stores, maintained at 12°C, 4°C and -20°C, are used to store and preserve our vital plant genetic resources collection. Seeds in active collections are kept at 4°C and can remain viable for several years. These are readily available for dissemination and utilization. The base collection is kept at -20°C, at which temperature it will remain viable for 50 to 100 years.
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