RIYADH, 29 March 2005 — King Faisal University of Dammam has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture to groom Saudis for a career in scientific research. This was revealed by Dr. Yousef Al-Dakheel, manager, Water Studies Center at KFU, while speaking to Arab News at a function organized by the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), which provides funds to WSC for undertaking research in areas of interest to SABIC.
Pointing out that the private sector was still reluctant to fund research programs, Dr. Al-Dakheel said only less than 10 percent of the research grant was coming from the business community. “They have not yet realized the importance of research and, therefore, feel that it is not worth their investment.”
As part of its move to promote partnership between research institutes and the private sector, Dr. Al-Dakheel said WSC has sought the cooperation of the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry for organizing a seminar on the importance of scientific research to the national industry.
He cited the findings of a research program which they conducted on behalf of the Saudi Fertilizer Co. (SAFCO), a SABIC affiliate. “Our research showed that the use of fertilizers produced by SABIC increased the production of dates by 100 percent.”
Another study found that by mixing ground and sweet water along with SABIC fertilizer could improve the yield of forage crops.
According to Dr. Al-Dakheel, their research has indicated that use of polymers enhances the soil moisture content and thus conserves water usage. Sometimes referred to as hydrogels or polymer crystals, these small granules simply absorb and store water.
He said WSC is also engaged in mapping the salt-affected areas of Al-Hasa using satellite imagery and GIS applications.
