Abu Dhabi: About 13 per cent of the soil in the country is suitable for irrigated farming, according to the national soil map.
About 7 per cent potential agricultural land is in Northern Emirates, especially in Ras Al Khaimah, and 5.4 per cent is in Abu Dhabi Emirate.
Dubai Emirate being highly urbanised, the land suitable for agriculture is scarce, said Darryl Lew, executive director of the Environment Quality Sector at the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, said.
The survey found 89 types of soil in the UAE. Abu Dhabi has 62 types of soil and Northern Emirates 28 (one is common), he said.
About 40 per cent of the soil in Northern Emirates is covered by vegetation.
More than 80 per cent of the soil in the UAE is sandy.
The map has also identified the areas suitable for construction and other activities.
