Ahmed Al-Busaidi

Climate change, vulnerability and adaptation experiences of farmers in Al-Suwayq Wilayat, Sultanate of Oman

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to give policy makers, professionals and researchers in Sultanate of Oman and in the region an understanding of the impacts of climate change (CC) related to agriculture and offer farming communities a basis for developing adaptation strategies. It is important to clearly understand and realize what is happening at the community level, because farming communities are the most climate vulnerable groups in this region. The information generated from this study is expected to be used by stakeholders, particularly the Omani Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, to address issues related to CC and its variability in areas of similar agro-climatic conditions. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data from the study site were collected through structured interview, interviews with community leaders, and field observation. The participatory rural appraisal method was applied to gather information on perception and awareness of CC, vulnerability, adaptation measures of loca...

The impact of heat and water stress conditions on the growth of the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas

Pot experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of drought and salinity stresses and mulch amendment on Jatropha in sand dune soil under three conditions: glasshouse, shade house and open area. Plants were irrigated with freshwater and diluted seawater adjusted to two levels of electrical conductivity- 3 and 6 dS m-1. The results showed that experimental conditions remarkably affected the evapo-transpiration rate, soil moisture, salts accumulation and plant biomass production. Low temperature (23°C) conditions exhibited highest plant growth and soil moisture and lowest salts deposition. Plants showed no symptoms of heat stress in the glasshouse. The shade house and the open area profoundly reduced plant biomass and water content in the soil. Compared to the control, the mulch amended treatments had sufficient water for plant growth even in the high temperature of the open area. High salt content was found in salinity treated pots but the salinity level did not reduce Jatropha growth. Salt accumulated in the salinity treated pots helped retain more water, reduced the temperature and provided nutrients to the plants, with results which were almost similar to those from the mulch effect. The temperature conditions of the shade house and the open area (max>40°C) caused substantial water loss and induced death of plants. Jatropha is a succulent and drought tolerant plant and a close irrigation interval is not the best option for Jatropha growth. But, organic amendment is needed when there is a big loss of soil water due to heat stress condition.

Methods of pH determination in calcareous soils: use of electrolytes and suspension effect

Determination of pH assists in understanding many reactions that occur in soil. However, measured values of soil pH can be affected by the procedure used for determination and by a range of soil properties. In this study, pH was measured in different electrolytes [distilled water (pHw), 0.01 m CaCl2 (pHca), 1 m KCl (pHk), and 0.01 m BaCl2 (pHba)] with different soil : solution ratios (i.e. 1 : 1, 1 : 2.5, 1 : 5), the main objective being to study the influence of different electrolytes on the suspension effect of pH in calcareous soils. Soil pH measured in water showed significant differences between different dilution ratios and was highly influenced by the ‘suspension effect’. Other electrolytes (CaCl2, KCl, BaCl2) were little affected by the suspension effect, giving approximately stable values when pH was measured with and without stirring. High soil salinity appeared to suppress any suspension effect in a manner similar to electrolytes when added to non-saline soils.

Wastewater and sludge management and research in Oman: An overview

ABSTRACT It is well recognized that management of wastewater and sludge is a critical environmental issue in many countries. Wastewater treatment and sludge production take place under different technical, economic, and social contexts, thus requiring different approaches and involving different solutions. In most cases, a regular and environmentally safe wastewater treatment and associated sludge management requires the development of realistic and enforceable regulations, as well as treatment systems appropriate to local circumstances. The main objective of this paper is to provide useful information about the current wastewater and sludge treatment, management, regulations, and research in Oman. Based on the review and discussion, the wastewater treatment and sludge management in Oman has been evolving over the years. Further, the land application of sewage sludge should encourage revision of existing standards, regulations, and policies for the management and beneficial use of sewage sludge in Oman. Implications: Wastewater treatment and sludge management in Oman have been evolving over the years. Sludge utilization has been a challenge due to its association with human waste. Therefore, composting of sewage sludge is the best option in agriculture activities. Sludge and wastewater utilization can add up positively in the economic aspects of the country in terms of creating jobs and improving annual income rate. The number of research projects done on wastewater reuse and other ongoing ones related to the land application of sewage sludge should encourage revision of existing standards, regulations, and policies for the management and beneficial use of sewage sludge in Oman.

Fee splitting in ophthalmology.

Fee splitting and co-management are common practices in ophthalmology. These arrangements may conflict with the ethical principles governing the doctor-patient relationship, may constitute professional misconduct, and at times, may be illegal. Implications and perceptions of these practices may vary between different cultures. Full disclosure to the patient may minimize the adverse effects of conflicts of interest that arise from these practices, and may thereby allow these practices to be deemed acceptable by some cultural morays, professional guidelines, or by law. Disclosure does not necessarily relieve the physician from a potential ethical compromise. This review examines the practice of fee splitting in ophthalmology, its legal implications, the policies or guidelines governing such arrangements, and the possible ethical ramifications. A comparative view between 3 countries, Canada, the United States, and Oman, was conducted; illustrating that even in disparate cultures, there may be some universality to the application of ethical principles.

Treated Municipal Wastes: Are they Contaminating or Enriching the Soil?

Treated municipal wastes could be a mixture of treated sewage biosolids and green wastes (Kala compost) that can be applied for agricultural production. It can improve soil fertility and plant growth. However, long-term application of treated sewage biosolids could result in heavy metal accumulation and some health problems. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of different fertilizers, especially Kala compost, on the soil fertility and plant productivity. An open field was divided into nine plots and received either treated municipal wastes (Kala compost) or inorganic fertilizer, or a mixture of both fertilizers. The field was irrigated by drip system, and commercial cucumber, tomato, cabbage, lettuce, carrot, and potato were grown in each plot. Soil and plant were monitored continuously and samples were taken at different stages of the study. No symptoms of physical or chemical problems were observed in the open field and measured soil samples. Moreover, the soil had sufficient amount of different nutrients for plant growth and all measured micronutrients (heavy metals) were within the safe limit and below the allowable safe limit of the international standards. Good growth was observed in all grown crops and no symptoms of element toxicity were observed. Chemical analysis for fruit samples did not show any accumulation of heavy metals and all measured elements were within the safe limit for human consumption. It can be concluded that treated municipal wastes (Kala compost) were good media for plant growth that can enrich the soil with different elements needed for higher yield. However, more monitoring is needed with treated biosolid application and good management could be the key to avoid any adverse effect of any contaminant.

Controlling Sodic Soil Erosion by Electrolytes and Polyacrylamide Application

The anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) is recently used to rehabilitate saline and sodic soils and control soil erosion. The research on the effectiveness of anionic PAM along with gypsum or lime application on soil erosion is rare and poorly documented. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to study the effects of anionic PAM with or without gypsum on the erosion of soils under saline/sodic conditions. For this purpose, a clay loam soil was prepared to achieve three levels of exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) 0.5, 9.9, and 25.5 with an appropriate solution of salts. Soil samples were air-dried and packed in the trays. Powdered PAM, gypsum, or a mixture of both was applied to the salt-treated soils. Thereafter, the soils were subjected to simulated rainstorm of 40 mm h−1 by a fixed rainfall simulator. Saline waters with different levels of electrical conductivity (ECw): 0.1, 2, 5, and 8 dS m−1 were used for simulated rains during the study. PAM amendment substantially controlled the erosion of the soils. The ESP was directly associated with the soil erosion and runoff. Among the treatments, the resistance to soil erosion was developed in the order of PAM > gypsum ≈ saline water > PAM mixed with gypsum ≈ PAM mixed with saline water. The magnitude of runoff water was reduced both by gypsum and saline water, whereas it was enhanced by PAM application. The mixed addition of PAM with gypsum or salts exacerbated water erosion of soils.

A short communication on growing Jatropha in Oman

There is a dire need for sensitive management of soil and water salinity in Oman if its agriculture is to be kept alive and the ever increasing desertification process is to be mitigated at all. Growing salt tolerant crops should be one of the major areas for salinity research in Oman [1]. Experience shows that different crops will behave differently if they are grown under different saline and water stress conditions. Pot and field trials will clarify their ability to grow and produce. Jatropha Curcas is an excellent biofuel crop which has many advantages over existing crops. It grows almost anywhere, even on gravelly, sandy and saline soils [2–4]. It can thrive on the poorest stony soil and grow in the crevices of rocks. The hardy Jatropha is resistant to drought and pests, and produces seeds containing up to 40% oil [5,6]. When the seeds are crushed, the resulting Jatropha oil can be processed to produce a high-quality biodiesel that can be used in a standard diesel car, while the residue can also be processed into biomass to power electricity plants. It is imperative that Jatropha be tested in Oman with regard to its suitability for commercial production. In 2008, there were communications between the College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University and some Indian Institutions, for example, the National Biodiversity Authority, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources and the Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India, to initiate a collaborative research project. This communication was facilitated by Dr Michael BrettCrowther, Editor of IJES, who first alerted us to the potential of this useful plant [7–9]. In the first stage, four kilograms of certified seeds were received and a formal SQU funded research project was initiated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of Jatropha plant to grow under different saline and water stress conditions and with/without fertiliser applications. In the summer of 2009 (May–August) a preliminary study was done to evaluate the ability of Jatropha to grow and survive under saline irrigation (3 and 6 dS/m) and heat stress condition. Three different metrological conditions were provided: a glasshouse with controlled temperature, a shade house, and an open area. The results showed that glasshouse plants were

Antibiotics in wastewaters: a review with focus on Oman

The occurrence of antibiotics in treated wastewater effluent has been a concern worldwide for various reasons: most importantly development of antibiotics resistance by bacteria and other microorganism, impact of antibiotics on animal life in surface water and likely consequences on humans if treated wastewater is used for drinking water supply through the process of managed aquifer recharge (MAR). Another potential area of concern is the uptake of these antibiotics by crops irrigated by treated wastewater. In Oman, wastewater treatment and reuse is pursued vigorously as a government policy. Treated wastewater is used for crop irrigation following government regulations, MAR is being contemplated and practiced in small scale and release of such waters in the ocean takes place from time to time. Some tests have been conducted on the wastewater effluent around the world to verify and detect the concentration of antibiotics in wastewater effluent. In the Sultanate of Oman, very little research has been performed on the occurrence of antibiotics in treated wastewater, removal efficiencies of treatment processes and development of antibiotics resistance. It is expected that wastewater reuse will increase substantially due to expansion of sewerage network in the capital city as well as many other cities and towns. As such, it is imperative that research be undertaken to find out various issues related to commonly used antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, erythromycin, linezolid, penicillin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, minocycline, tetracycline and sulfamethoxazole in Oman and their ultimate fate through the treatment process. In addition, the development of guidelines is crucial in amounts of antibiotics acceptably occurring in treated wastewater effluent and if they could be suitable for agriculture without causing any harm. A review of the available literature and data are provided in this article. Research needs have been identified.

Maximum Use of Treated Wastewater in Agriculture

This study contributed to the existing knowledge on urban treated wastewater reused for agriculture in MENA region by identifying means to optimize wastewater reuse by taking into consideration various parameters such as return to farmers, groundwater quality and impacts on soil and groundwater. The aim of the study was to maximize the usage of treated wastewater reuse in conjunction with groundwater or any available water resource by taking into consideration their quality and quantity, in addition to the environmental, economic and agronomic components. The study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman with three types of crops (eggplant, radish and okra). All grown crops were irrigated either by A: 50% groundwater and 50% treated wastewater or B: 100% groundwater or C: 75% treated wastewater and 25% groundwater or D: 100% treated wastewater. Physical and chemical properties of the soil were almost similar and did not show significant differences with both waters. Moreover, some chemical properties such as total carbon and some major elements (N, P, K) were significantly increased (p < 0.05) when treated wastewater was applied. A significant increases in plant productivity was noticed when plants were irrigated with treated wastewater. Whereas, there were insignificant changes in heavy metals of tested crops between different treatments.