Various attempts in greening the state of Kuwait

Abstract

Kuwait is a desert country characterized by harsh climate, poor soils, and scarce water resources. Several attempts have been undertaken to combat desertification in the arid country of Kuwait. These include the emphasis on the native plants through the mass planting of local plants to be further used in the desert rehabilitation, where seeds from the desert are being collected to be used for the natural re-vegetation process. Other attempts include the introduction of exotic ornamental plants that can endure similar harsh climatic conditions. Several studies are being conducted to enhance the greenery and beautification of the country. Xeriscaping is a recent approach used in Kuwait's desert landscapes. It is a low-water landscape concept especially developed to be used in countries with low rainfall and scarce water resources. More than 150 ornamental plants have been introduced and naturalized within Kuwait and yet around 200 more species are being examined for further introductions. A new study was also conducted to enhance the re-vegetation of the country was the remediation of the oil-contaminated soil that resulted form the Iraqi invasion on Kuwait. In attempts to retain the soil's productivity, physical, chemical and biological methods of remediation were studied earlier. The biological method was recommended for agricultural purposes. Local and newly introduced ornamental plants were experimented using bio-remediated soil. After a thorough study of the plants' performance the results proved that there were no major differences in the plants' survival and vegetative growth in either soil types.