Agricultural Utilization of Sand Dunes in South Kuwait: A Review of Soil Reclamation Techniques and Sustainable Practices

Abstract

The southern area of Kuwait experiences its extreme dry climate through its desert environment which features active sand dunes as its main ecological challenge. The extreme environmental conditions which include less than 120 millimeters of yearly rainfall and summer temperatures that reach above 45 degrees Celsius and the presence of calcareous soils with no organic matter and gravelly texture have resulted in growing interest to convert these damaged dune areas into agricultural fields which people consider necessary for food security. The study presents current and past research on soil reclamation methods that researchers use to restore south Kuwait's sandy dune areas. The study investigates four main techniques which include biochar application and organic and composite material use and mechanical and biological dune stabilization and windbreak installation and halophyte planting and bio-saline agricultural methods. The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) trials show that biochar-based soil conditioners increase crop yield by 50% and decrease irrigation water needs by 25% and lower fertilizer requirements by 40% in Kuwait's sandy soils. Research studies from around the world show that using composite amendments in sandy soils results in a 92% increase in crop yield and a 59% increase in soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Salicornia bigelovii and Atriplex species serve as valuable native halophytes which enable bio-saline agriculture through brackish-water irrigation systems. The most effective sustainable agricultural methods combine soil amendment with dune stabilization and water-efficient irrigation and salt-tolerant crop selection. The research paper develops an evidence-based framework which supports policymakers and agricultural scientists and land managers who work on food security and land rehabilitation initiatives in Kuwait and the wider region.