Role of sulphur in desert greening to be studied

International experts will attend a symposium here this month to share research results and practical experience of desert greening and "elemental sulphur for agronomic applications".

The symposium, to be held on February 24, is being organised by EFORS (Externally Funded Office for Research and Science at the UAE University) and the Japan Petroleum Energy Centre (JPEC). Officially called ESAA-DG (Elemental Sulphur for Agronomic Applications and Desert Greening), the two-day conference will feature several distinguished scientists from the U.S., Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Austria and Japan.

According to the organisers, global economic factors and rising domestic consumption of electricity have created incentives for the UAE to rely more heavily on natural gas. The UAE has embarked on a multi-billion dollar gas investment programme including a shift to gas-fired power plants.

The sulphur obtained as a by-product of natural gas is being exported to a limited market. In its elemental form, sulphur is recognised to be important in several agronomic applications.

The organisers said that JPEC has been organising annual symposia to promote the enhancement of the environment under desert conditions, focusing on greenery development. These symposia have been held in Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and the UAE, attracting considerable interest from scientists and professionals in the GCC as well as in Japan.

ESAA-DG will help experts to exchange information on such issues as water purification, use and water management, and desert greening.