Recognizing the challenges posed by climate change and global warming and the continuing decrease in cultivable land and diminishing water resources available for farming, Al Dahra focuses on keeping Water and Food Security at the core of its strategy.

Sustainability

(Ecosystem) is a complex network of interactive relationships between living organisms (plants, animals, microbes) and their nonliving environment (water, soil, air). Every ecosystem consists of biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (environmental elements such as climate and nutrients) components that interact with each other to achieve balance in the environment.

JK Company seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the closest possible level to zero and uses renewable energy to preserve the earth and the environment and optimally exploit natural resources in order to continue supporting community environmental awareness.

JK believes that it has a responsibility towards the end consumers to enhance the availability and affordability of food commodities and essential crops.

Energy Consumption Optimization

  • First zero carbon emission farming project
  • 1400 Acres Area
  • 25Mega Watt solar plant
  • Significant energy and carbon emission reduction
  • 2011 lines of solar sheets
  • 1068 KW Module 575 Watt

Improving solar energy consumption in agriculture is important for long-term sustainability and energy savings. There are several strategies and techniques that can contribute to achieving this goal:

1. Design solar energy systems according to agricultural needs:

Solar energy generation systems must be designed according to agricultural needs. The size of solar panels is determined based on the size of the land and the machines that require energy such as irrigation pumps or greenhouse heating systems.

2. Using solar-powered irrigation techniques:

  • Drip irrigation systems: Use water efficiently and consume less energy than traditional irrigation systems.
  • Solar water pumps: Solar-powered water pumps can be used to irrigate agricultural lands, and are an economical and sustainable alternative to traditional pumps that run on fossil fuels.

3. Solar Energy Storage:

  • Using energy storage batteries to increase the efficiency of solar energy use, especially during periods when the sun is not available.
  • Storage technologies can help save energy during the night or on cloudy days.

4. Integration with smart agriculture systems:

Solar energy can be integrated with smart agriculture systems that rely on artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. For example, sensors can be used to control irrigation timing based on humidity and weather, reducing unnecessary energy and water consumption.

5. Improving the efficiency of solar panels:

  • Using solar tracking techniques: Solar tracking systems help increase the efficiency of panels by directing them toward the sun throughout the day, which increases the amount of energy that can be collected.
  • Cleaning and maintaining solar panels: To ensure maximum efficiency, panels must be cleaned periodically and regular maintenance performed.

6. Using smart greenhouse systems:

Solar energy can be used to provide heating, ventilation and lighting in smart greenhouses or plastic greenhouses, which in turn can improve crop productivity throughout the year.

7. Diversifying energy sources:

Using solar energy alongside other renewable energy sources, such as bioenergy, to ensure energy continuity in the event of changing weather conditions.

Water Consumption Optimization

Improving water consumption in agriculture is a top priority for achieving sustainable natural resources and increasing productivity. Given the increasing challenges related to water scarcity in many regions, developing effective methods and technologies to use water more efficiently in agriculture has become an urgent necessity. Here are some strategies that can be followed to improve water consumption in agriculture:

1. Modern irrigation systems (drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation)

  • Drip irrigation: It is one of the most efficient irrigation systems, as it delivers water directly to the roots of plants in specific and slow quantities, which reduces losses resulting from evaporation and surface runoff.
  • Sprinkler irrigation: It distributes water evenly over the surface of the earth in a manner similar to rainfall, which helps reduce water loss, especially in large fields.

2. Precision Agriculture

  • Precision agriculture relies on technologies such as sensors and drones to accurately analyze water needs in different parts of the field. These technologies allow water to be directed only to where it is needed.
  • Soil and moisture monitoring systems help determine when plants actually need water, reducing waste.

3. Use drought-tolerant crops

  • Choosing crops that are drought-tolerant and require less water can help improve water consumption. Certain types of plants are adapted to areas with limited water resources.
  • Developing genetically modified crops that are more drought-resistant also helps improve water use efficiency.

4. Reuse of treated water

  • Treated agricultural runoff or greywater can be used for irrigation, reducing pressure on freshwater resources.
  • This water is purified using techniques such as biofiltration or membranes before being used for irrigation.

5. Cover Crops

  • Using cover crops helps reduce water evaporation from the soil and conserve moisture. These crops improve the soil structure and increase its water-holding capacity.
  • Trees or shrubs can also be planted to protect the soil from wind and reduce evaporation.

6. Smart Irrigation Technologies

  • Using automatic irrigation systems equipped with soil moisture sensors allows for precise control of the amount of water distributed to plants. These systems ensure that water is provided only when the plant needs it.
  • Using irrigation techniques that rely on weather data (weather-based irrigation) allows irrigation to be adjusted based on weather forecasts, reducing losses due to rain or drought.

7. Improving the water-holding capacity of the soil

  • Adding organic matter such as manure or compost to the soil can enhance its water-holding capacity and reduce the need for frequent irrigation.
  • Using mulch on the soil surface reduces water evaporation and keeps moisture in the soil for longer periods.

8. Proper irrigation timing

  • Irrigating at the right times of the day can significantly reduce water evaporation. It is best to irrigate early in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
  • Avoiding irrigation during hot or windy times helps reduce water waste.

9. Dividing fields into separate irrigation zones

  • Dividing agricultural land into separate irrigation zones (Zones) based on the needs of different crops allows for precise water distribution to each area, reducing waste.
  • This method is based on analyzing the needs of plants in each area and ensures more efficient water distribution.

10. Using hydroponics (soilless farming)

  • Hydroponics is a closed-environment farming system that relies on closed systems to recycle water. These systems require less water thanTraditional agriculture.
  • This type of agriculture reduces water loss through evaporation or seepage into the soil, as water is constantly recycled.

11. Rainwater management

  • Techniques such as rainwater harvesting can be used to collect and store water for later use in irrigation. Water tanks or artificial ponds can be useful in collecting water during rainy periods.
  • Creating water systems that reduce runoff and direct water towards fields.

12. Improving agricultural drainage water management

  • Monitoring and managing excess water discharge (excess water that is not needed by crops) can prevent water loss and pollution. Surface drainage management helps conserve water in agricultural areas.
  • Excess water can be recovered and used for irrigation later.

13. Training and awareness

  • Educating farmers about the importance of modern irrigation techniques and how to use water efficiently can have a significant impact. Providing workshops and training on water management strategies contributes to improving agricultural behaviors.

14. Weed control

  • Weeds compete with crops for water, so eliminating them effectively reduces water loss and increases the amount of water available to desired plants.

15. Transition to sustainable farming

  • Sustainable farming techniques, such as conservation agriculture and mixed farming, help improve soil health and increase its water-holding capacity, reducing the need for continuous irrigation.

16. Conserving groundwater.

  • Preserving groundwater is one of the most important environmental challenges in light of the increasing demand for water resources due to population growth and agricultural and industrial expansion.
  • Land reclamation and irrigation development.
  • Drip irrigation systems for water usage optimization.
  • Farming satellite control.
  • Precision farming application.

Fertilizers Consumption Optimization

Improving fertilizer consumption in agriculture can have a significant impact on reducing economic costs and increasing environmental sustainability, as excessive or inefficient use of fertilizers leads to soil and water pollution, in addition to unjustified consumption of resources. There are several strategies and techniques that can be adopted to improve fertilizer consumption and ensure their effective and sustainable use:

1. Precision Agriculture

  • Using Sensors: Taking advantage of precision agriculture techniques that use sensors and data analysis tools to determine the exact nutrient needs of plants. This reduces the use of unnecessary fertilizers.
  • GPS: Using Global Positioning Systems (GPS), tractors can be directed to precisely apply fertilizers only to the areas that need them.

2. Test the soil regularly

  • Conducting a regular soil test helps determine the actual level of nutrients in the soil. By knowing the exact needs of your soil, you can reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and improve your long-term health.
  • Testing your soil before each growing season can guide farmers to apply just the right amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), depending on what your crops need.

3. Use of organic fertilizers and animal waste

  • Replacing or reducing the use of chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers such as manure or compost made from agricultural and animal waste helps improve soil structure without affecting the environment.
  • Organic fertilizers release nutrients more slowly, reducing the need for frequent fertilization, and improving the soil's ability to retain water.

4. Smart Fertilization Techniques

  • Fertilization through irrigation systems (fertigation) is a technology that combines the distribution of fertilizers with irrigation water, resulting in direct and precise delivery of nutrients to plant roots.
  • This technology reduces fertilizer losses due to evaporation or runoff, and improves resource efficiency.

5. Use slow-release or encapsulated fertilizers

  • Slow-release or encapsulated fertilizers release nutrients slowly over a long period, reducing evaporation or excess leaching of nutrients, and improving nutrient uptake.
  • These fertilizers help keep nutrient levels in the soil stable for long periods.

6. Balanced Fertilization

  • Balanced fertilization means giving plants the right amounts of each nutrient. This is done using a balanced mix of fertilizers that contain the three basic elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and trace elements according to the needs of the soil and plant.
  • Excessive fertilization with a certain element may lead to harmful effects, so it is important to achieve a good balance between the elements.

7. Conservation Agriculture

  • Conservation agriculture depends on reducing soil tillage and using techniques that preserve organic matter in the soil. This reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and preserves natural nutrients.
  • Covering the soil with cover crops helps re-fix nitrogen in the soil and reduces losses due to runoff.

8. Crop rotation and crop selection

  • Applying crop rotations that rely on planting different crops throughout the seasons contributes to reducing the depletion of nutrients from the soil, which reduces the need for intensive fertilization.
  • Planting leguminous crops such as beans and lentils, which fix nitrogen in the soil, reduces the need to use nitrogen fertilizers in the following season.

9. Managing the correct dates for fertilization

  • The timing of applying fertilizers is very important to ensure that plants absorb them efficiently. Fertilizers should be applied at times when plants are most in need of nutrients, such as the beginning of growth or flowering.
  • Avoid fertilizing during times of heavy rain or when the soil is saturated with water to avoid washing away the fertilizers and wasting them.

10. Awareness and Training

  • Increasing farmers’ awareness of effective fertilizer use methods and training them on new techniques can help improve fertilizer use efficiency.
  • Guidance from agricultural experts on appropriate fertilization based on soil type, crops, and local climate.

11. Using Nanotechnology in Fertilizers

  • Nanofertilizers are a new technology that seeks to improve the efficiency of plants’ absorption of nutrients and reduce losses from traditional fertilizers. These fertilizers help deliver nutrients to plants faster and more effectively.

12. Converting agricultural waste into compost

  • Recycling agricultural waste to make organic fertilizers can reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, and create a natural closed cycle of nutrients within the farm.

13. Fertilizer and pesticide reduction programs

  • Fertilizer and pesticide reduction programs aim to improve sustainable agricultural practices and reduce negative environmental impacts. These programs seek to balance improving agricultural production with protecting the environment and public health.
  • Fertilizers and pesticides reduction programs.
  • Ground water preservation.