The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi is researching the amount of water consumed by palm trees in order to promote resource conservation and create guidelines for farmers.

Scientists initiated the project in the Western Region by conducting experiments on a natural preserve of palms near Madinat Zayed. They will be monitoring the rates of use of irrigation water and using smart water meters, which in turn will provide the wildlife management agencies and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi information on the amount of water used by palm trees.

They will also test soil salinity levels and water balance.

The project was timed to coincide with the Liwa Festival to garner attention to the over-watering of palm trees. Through empirical research, the end result is to establish the amount of water needed by palm trees hourly and at varying temperatures.

The research model conducted on palm trees will also be used to study other native plants in the region.

They will also pay special attention to the different outcomes among palm trees receiving desalinated water and those given natural groundwater.

This study will allow them to closely monitor underground water used to irrigate the forest as well as a treated sewage water used

By noting the amount of water that the natural preserve consumes, scientists will be able to achieve their goal of reducing water consumption by 80 per cent by 2030.

 Source:The National