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Project title: Ecological restoration in Saudi Arabia; the Thumama Park Restoration Trial
Dates: 2011 - 2015
Funding: Arriyadh Development Authority
Location: Thumama Park, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
Research themes
- ecohydrology
- ecophysiology
- ecology
- seed enhancement
Project description
The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, as part of its role in the global community of Botanic Gardens, has developed a program of research and extension initiatives working with the Arriyadh Development Authority in Saudi Arabia. The main aim of the program is to identify low cost, scalable and science-based solutions to repair and enhance landscapes and ecosystems in the Arriyadh region.
To date, over 99,000 Acacia plants and 140,000 seeds have been installed in dedicated irrigated scientific trials and associated environmental plantings.
Results to date indicate:
- Methodology developed for high survival rates (>90%) for the Acacia species in Thumama Park under specified irrigation regimes and precise water delivery to the root zone.
- Important fundamental knowledge relating to root growth and plant physiology leading to a better understanding of complex plant soil interactions for optimising plant survival in the long-term.
- Substantial benefit of anti-stress chemicals for species subjected to ultralow volume irrigation.
- Potential for mechanical seeding and other direct seeding methods will result in more cost-effective restoration in some sites and conditions.
Key staff
Dr Jason Stevens, Mr Patrick Courtney, Prof Kingsley Dixon
Collaborators
Arriyadh Development Authority
Presentations
K Dixon (2014) Ecological restoration in Saudi Arabia. The Thumama Park Restoration Trial. Proven (knowledge driven), cost effective, scalable restoration solutions. Conference on Ecological and Ecosystem Restoration. August 2014. New Orleans Louisiana.
