Soil Research in Oman: Opportunities and Priorities

Abstract

The Entisols. lnceptinols and Aridisols which dominate the soils of Oman are the foundation of the drive to agricultural development in the Sultanate. This paper reviews briefly the classification and pedological characteristics of these soils, their land suitability assessment, and recent fertilizer research. Water is absolutely essential for the growth of the plants and the contribution of irrigation practice to the efficient use of fertilizers is assessed. The problems of ammonia volatilization and phosphorus fixation in the soils of the Sultanate are highlighted and microbiological aspects of nitrogen fixation and soil organic matter dynamics are briefly discussed. Finally, research problems and ideas for future work are identified.