UAE researchers turn pineapple waste into soil fix for arid farms

UAE – Researchers in the United Arab Emirates have developed a low cost method to improve sandy soils using nanocellulose fibres made from pineapple peels, a step that could support farming and food supply in dry regions.

Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi announced the breakthrough this week, saying the work responds to long standing regional challenges such as water shortages, weak soil quality and pressure on food systems.

The team extracts nanocellulose fibres from discarded pineapple peels and blends them into sandy soils to improve how the soil holds water and nutrients.

The researchers found that soils treated with the fibres retain moisture for longer, gain better structure and support plant growth more effectively than untreated sand. Tests also showed that the improved soil keeps its form over time, which matters for farmers who need reliable growing conditions across seasons.

Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, said the project reflects a focus on practical regional needs. “This technology shows how local research can respond directly to food security and water management challenges in arid environments,” he said. “We use locally available waste to improve degraded soils in a way that farmers can apply at scale.”

According to the research team, the process relies on materials that already exist in the local food chain, which helps keep costs down and reduces organic waste. By reusing pineapple peels, the approach cuts disposal volumes while creating value for agriculture.

The researchers also tracked how nutrients behave in treated soils. They observed stronger nutrient retention and steadier support for root systems, factors that matter for crop yields in sandy landscapes common across the Middle East and North Africa.

A regional problem with high costs

Land degradation remains a major concern across the region. Globally, about 15 percent of land shows signs of degradation. In the Middle East and North Africa, nearly half of all land faces this problem, driven by desertification, climate stress and poor land use practices.

The economic impact is also heavy. Studies estimate that land degradation costs countries in the region around 1 percent of gross domestic product each year. These losses reduce farm output, lower rural incomes and weaken food security.

The Khalifa University team believes that simple soil improvement tools like nanocellulose fibres can help slow this trend. “Improving soil health is not optional for dry regions,” Al Hajri said. “It sits at the center of stable food systems and environmental care.”

Researchers plan further field trials to test the method across different crops and soil conditions, with a focus on practical use by farmers in arid zones.

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