Al-Ahsa Oasis Research Articles

Tourist Values and Well-Being in Rural Tourism: Insights from Biodiversity Protection and Rational Automobile Use in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

In response to the escalating significance of sustainable tourism and the growing global concern for environmental conservation, the current study sought to investigate the intricate dynamics of two pro-environmental behaviors (biodiversity protection and rational car use), personal values (altruistic, biospheric, and egoistic), farm tourists’ well-being, and environmental and activity attachment among farm tourists in the Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia. Employing an online survey, our methodology involved partial least structural equation modeling to unravel the complex relationships among these variables. Based on responses retrieved from 309 farm tourists, results revealed that biodiversity protection significantly influenced altruistic values and the well-being of farm tourists. Additionally, rational automobile use exerted positive impacts on both altruistic and biospheric values. These results underscore the intricate dynamics shaping tourists’ attitudes and experiences in the Al-Ahsa region. The study contributes to the broader understanding of sustainable tourism practices, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions. The positive associations identified highlight the potential for farm tourism experiences to enhance both pro-environmental values and the well-being of tourists, thus offering valuable insights for future research and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Bacterial Diversity in Al-Asfar Lake, Al Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to investigate bacterial diversity in Al-Asfar Lake, Al Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, based on a polyphasic approach. Water samples were collected and divided into two parts. For the culture-dependent approach, different media such as Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA), and Blood Agar (BA) were used. The obtained 29 isolates were diverse with respect to phenotypic characteristics revealed by VITEK. 18 isolates were selected for 16S rRNA sequencing based on the initial screening by VITEK. Since some types of bacteria do not grow on media, the DNA in the second part was isolated directly and subjected to metagenomic analysis. VITEK disclosed a total of 19 species belonging to 3 phyla: Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, and Bacillota, while the 16S rRNA sequencing revealed 12 species that could be amplified and sequenced. Metagenomic analysis exhibited variation in the relative abundance of 13 phyla, 18 classes, 20 families, 16 genera, and 24 species. Four dominant phyla are represented, including Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria, respectively. Furthermore, functional gene screening revealed 33 functional categories including the metabolism of cofactors, vitamins, and xenobiotic biodegradation. This study affords insights into the bacterial diversity and fundamental biogeochemical processes in the lake and paves the way for the potential exploitation of microbial wealth in biotechnological applications.

Assessment of vegetation cover changes and the contributing factors in the Al-Ahsa Oasis using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)

The abandonment of date palm grove of the former Al-Ahsa Oasis in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia has resulted in the conversion of delicate agricultural area into urban area. The current state of the oasis is influenced by both expansion and degradation factors. Therefore, it is important to study the spatiotemporal variation of vegetation cover for the sustainable management of oasis resources. This study used Landsat satellite images in 1987, 2002, and 2021 to monitor the spatiotemporal variation of vegetation cover in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, applied multi-temporal Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data spanning from 1987 to 2021 to assess environmental and spatiotemporal variations that have occurred in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, and investigated the factors influencing these variation. This study reveals that there is a significant improvement in the ecological environment of the oasis during 1987–2021, with increase of NDVI values being higher than 0.10. In 2021, the highest NDVI value is generally above 0.70, while the lowest value remains largely unchanged. However, there is a remarkable increase in NDVI values between 0.20 and 0.30. The area of low NDVI values (0.00–0.20) has remained almost stable, but the region with high NDVI values (above 0.70) expands during 1987–2021. Furthermore, this study finds that in 1987–2002, the increase of vegetation cover is most notable in the northern region of the study area, whereas from 2002 to 2021, the increase of vegetation cover is mainly concentrated in the northern and southern regions of the study area. From 1987 to 2021, NDVI values exhibit the most pronounced variation, with a significant increase in the “green” zone (characterized by NDVI values exceeding 0.40), indicating a substantial enhancement in the ecological environment of the oasis. The NDVI classification is validated through 50 ground validation points in the study area, demonstrating a mean accuracy of 92.00% in the detection of vegetation cover. In general, both the user’s and producer’s accuracies of NDVI classification are extremely high in 1987, 2002, and 2021. Finally, this study suggests that environmental authorities should strengthen their overall forestry project arrangements to combat sand encroachment and enhance the ecological environment of the Al-Ahsa Oasis.

Spatial Assessment of Groundwater Salinity and Its Impact on Vegetation Cover Conditions in the Agricultural Lands of Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

This study investigated the complex relationship among groundwater salinity, soil texture, and vegetation health in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. Utilizing vegetation condition index data from 5 years of satellite imagery, alongside ground measurements of groundwater salinity and soil analysis, the study unveiled significant spatial heterogeneity. The vegetation health and groundwater salinity in the study area ranged from 27 to 70% and from 1.7 to 9.6 dS m−1, respectively, and exhibited contrasting patterns, with a high vegetation condition index (healthy vegetation) in the north and east versus high salinity in the southwest. The applied cross-tabulation statistics revealed a strong negative correlation between the vegetation condition index and salinity, with “good” and “normal” vegetation health primarily coinciding with “slightly saline” groundwater. Soil texture further modulated the vegetation response, as “Silt loam” soils corresponded with “good” VCI, while “silty clay loam” only supported “dry” and “normal” conditions. The applied spatial autocorrelation analysis confirmed this, showing low vegetation clustering with “silt” texture and high salinity in the mid-west of the study area (p < 0.05). Outlier districts hint at local factors beyond simple salinity–vegetation health relationships. Finally, a conditional plot, applied as a spatial statistical approach, revealed that low vegetation health spatially correlates with high groundwater salinity (>5 dS m−1) on “silt loam” in the mid-west, while a higher vegetation condition index aligned with lower groundwater salinity in the east and north. These findings highlight the critical role of spatial variability and the need for advanced modeling and data integration to understand and predict the responses of vegetation to environmental challenges, and will be crucial for optimizing water management to ensure the long-term sustainability of Al-Ahsa Oasis.

Mapping Groundwater Potential (GWP) in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Eastern Saudi Arabia Using Data-Driven GIS Techniques

Searching for new sources of water is becoming one of the most important aspects of scientific research, especially in areas prone to drought, like Saudi Arabia. The study aim was to delineate groundwater potential zones within the Oasis of Al-Ahsa, in Saudi Arabia’s eastern region, and to identify the optimum factors that control the availability of groundwater zones. This was achieved through examining the effect of ten environmental variables on groundwater recharge, namely: slope, topographic wetness index (TWI), land cover (LC), elevation, lineament density (Ld), drainage density (Dd), rainfall, geology, and soil texture. The variables were prepared from a variety of data sources, including spatial data (i.e., DEM and Landsat-8 image), in addition to other complementing data sources for appropriate parameters extraction. Two weighted overlay methods were used, namely the simple additive weight (SAW) as well as the optimum index factor (OIF) in order to categorize the optimal set of parameters for computing GWP and identifying its zones. Two GWP maps were obtained and validated through comparison with the locations of existing wells at GWP zones. The study findings have assured the cogency of the SAW map, where it was found that nearly 45–48% of the resultant zones were characterized as in the “moderate” class, whereas around 21–37% of the entire zones area were classified within the “high” class. The soil texture parameter was determined as being the most influencing parameter for GWP mapping followed by the “geology” parameter; however, the “lineament density” (Ld) was the least important factor. Furthermore, the OIF method has facilitated the identification of the optimal parameter combination for delineating groundwater potential (GWP) zones, which included “Ld”, “land cover”, and “TWI”. The study findings and methodology can serve as a potential model for other similar regions, supporting sustainable water resource management locally as well as globally.

Contamination and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in agricultural soil of the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia using health indices and GIS

The current work aimed to assess contamination and human health risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in agricultural soil of the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. For the purpose of evaluating the potential risks to human health associated with ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation, the chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), cancer risk (CR), and total lifetime cancer risk (LCR) were calculated in 30 soil samples. The spatial distribution and possible sources of HMs were investigated using GIS and multivariate analysis. The descending order of PTE averages (dw, µg/g) was Fe (11790) > Mn (176.43) > Zn (54.43) > Cr (28.67) > Ni (14.53) > V (12.33) > Cu (10.83) > Pb (5.23) > Co (2.87) > As (2.27). The average CDI for all PTEs from ingestion pathway in children indicates an increase of approximated 9 times compared to adults. The HI values varied from 1.969 × 10-4 to 2.318 × 10-2 for Adults, and from 1.835 × 10-3 to 2.158 × 10-1 for children, suggesting there is no significant non-carcinogenic risk to the people inhabiting the Al-Ahsa Oasis. The CRs and LCR for Cr, As, and Pb in children was found to be significantly greater than that of adults. LCR values for As, Pb, and Cr varied from lower than 1 × 10-6 to 1 × 10-4, indicating no significant health hazards to acceptable carcinogenic risk.

Assessment and development of pedotransfer functions to estimate soil saturated hydraulic conductivity in arid soils with application to GIS mapping in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

Assessment and development of pedotransfer functions to estimate soil saturated hydraulic conductivity in arid soils with application to GIS mapping in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

Jabal Al-Qarah, Saudi Arabia—from a Local Tourist Spot and Cultural World Heritage to a Geoheritage Site of Possible Global Relevance

Jabal Al-Qarah in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia is a flat-topped residual hill (mesa) built of calcareous sandstones, mudstones, and marls of Miocene age. It is located within the World Heritage property of Al-Ahsa Oasis, but geoheritage values were not considered in the nomination and remained overlooked. The locality is famous for its systems of maze caves developed along deep fractures by mainly mechanical erosion and wall/roof collapses. They illustrate the origin of non-karstic caves through the action of underground flows, redirected from the surface via sinkholes and open cracks. Hillsides of Jabal Al-Qarah show evidence of various types of mass movements, including spectacular collapses of harder overlying strata after denudation of weaker strata beneath caused loss of vertical support. Thus, the mesa may become a key locality to understand slope development in layered successions and the role of subsurface flows in the global context. The site also has considerable potential to develop geotourism, as an added value to the already recognized cultural assets of the oasis and scenic qualities.

Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA) Model for Extracting Urban Fractions from Landsat and Sentinel-2A Images in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia

The rapid expansion of urban areas is a major driver of deforestation and other associated damage to the local ecosystem and environment in arid and semi-arid oases, especially in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. It is therefore necessary to accurately map and monitor urban areas to maintain the ecosystem services in these oases. In this study, built-up areas were mapped using a spectral mixture analysis (SMA) model in the Al-Ahsa Oasis in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia by analyzing Landsat images, including Thematic Mapper (TM), Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), Operational Land Imager (OLI), and Sentinel-2A images, acquired between 1990 and 2020. Principle component analysis (PCA) was used to build and select endmembers, and then SMA was applied to each image to extract urban/built-up fractions. In addition, this study also discusses the possible driving forces of the urban dynamics. SMA classification performance was assessed using fraction error maps and a confusion matrix. The results show that the Al-Ahsa Oasis’ urban area had been rapidly expanding during 2010–2020 with an expansion rate of nearly 9%. The results also indicated that the SMA model provides high precisions (overall accuracy = ~95% to 100%) for an oasis urban mapping in an arid and semi-arid region that is disturbed by the mixed-pixel problem, such as the Al-Ahsa Oasis in eastern Saudi Arabia.

An Assessment of Irrigation Water Quality with Respect to the Reuse of Treated Wastewater in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

Irrigation water quality is important to sustain agricultural productivity. The primary irrigation water sources in Al-Ahsa Oasis, KSA, are groundwater wells, mixed with treated wastewater and agricultural drainage. This study sought to evaluate irrigation water quality in Al-Ahsa Oasis with the aid of using irrigation water quality indices (IWQIs). One hundred and forty-eight different water samples were collected from various irrigation water resources throughout Al-Ahsa Oasis. The investigated physiochemical characteristics include pH, temperature, TDS, EC, turbidity, free chlorine, total hardness, cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg), anions (Cl, CO3, HCO3, SO4), organic matter indices (DO, BOD, COD), and nutrients (NH4, NO3, PO4). The IWQIs used in this study include salinity hazard, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Kelly’s ratio (KR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), Permeability index (PI), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and magnesium hazard (MH). The results indicated that treated wastewater mixed with groundwater is acceptable for irrigation. Spatial variations in irrigation water quality throughout Al-Ahsa are associated with water resources. For instance, groundwater mixed with agricultural drainage has the highest values of TDS, cations, and anions, whereas the lowest values were reported for treated wastewater, reflecting the good efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. The IWQI results revealed that 4.1% and 62.1% of the investigated irrigation water samples were considered good (class III) and satisfactory (class IV) for irrigation, respectively, whereas 33.8% of the collected water samples fall within the severe irrigation restrictions. Moreover, 79.7% of the investigated water samples were classified to have high to very high salinity hazards (C3, C4) and medium to high sodium hazards (S2, S3). Regular monitoring and assessment of treated water quality and wastewater treatment plant efficiency are important factors in achieving the sustainability of treated wastewater reuse in irrigation and consequently food security.

Management of the Red Palm Weevil in Date Palm Plantations in Al-Ahsa Oasis of Saudi Arabia

Management of the Red Palm Weevil in Date Palm Plantations in Al-Ahsa Oasis of Saudi Arabia

A Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Heat Island Intensity Influenced by the Substantial Urban Growth between 1990 and 2020: A Case Study of Al-Ahsa Oasis, Eastern Saudi Arabia

Rapid urbanization has recently led to a significant propagation of heat islands. This study aimed to analyze the spatio-temporal variation in urban heat islands (UHIs) at Al-Ahsa Oasis in Saudi Arabia, in addition to exploring the urbanization influence on UHI distribution over the last 30 years. The spatial variability in UHIs was assessed, the key determinant elements were identified, and the forms of distribution were delineated. Change detection, hot spots, and spatial autocorrelation were employed to study UHI distribution and intensity and to identify the clustering and correspondence between heat and urbanization. The results revealed a considerable increase in built-up areas from 17.15% to 45.8% of total land use/cover (LULC) from 1990 to 2020. No significant variations in UHI intensity were observed (10.4 °C in 1990 and 8.7 °C for 2020). However, a remarkable link was found between urbanization and heat, confirmed by hot spot clustering over intense urban complexes, while cold spot clustering was observed over date and palm tree areas, with 99% confidence for both. Lastly, the link between temperature and urbanization was also confirmed through spatial autocorrelation, producing Moran’s indices of 0.41 and 0.45 for 1990 and 2020, respectively, with an overall significance (p-value) of 0.001. The mechanisms applied have proven their robustness in assessing the effect of urbanization on heat island distribution and quantification.

Bioassessment of Cement Dust Pollution and its Radiation in Al-Ahsa Oasis in the Eastern Province of Kingdom Saudi Arabia

Bioassessment of Cement Dust Pollution and its Radiation in Al-Ahsa Oasis in the Eastern Province of Kingdom Saudi Arabia

Environmental Sustainability Indicators: Saudi Arabia

Sustainable development is a process and a driver of nations that requires continuous improvement in an integrated manner, while considering economic, social and environmental aspects. In 2015, United Nations Member States adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a global call to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure peace and prosperity for all people. Saudi Arabia is making great efforts to achieve these goals, while considering its own perspectives and the National Vision 2030. There is no single indicator of sustainable development; rather, there are multiple measures for sustainability that collectively indicate a positive trend over time. These indicators have been measured in the Kingdom at the national level, but there is still a need for application at the local and regional levels. This study aims to measure those indicators in the Al Ahsa Oasis based on preliminary data collected in the field from a simple random sample of 257 individuals. A set of descriptive frameworks and statistical methods were used to assess the environmental situation, identify the most important influencing factors and propose policies to contribute to Al Ahsa's environmental sustainability. KEYWORDS Al Ahsa oasis, economic growth, sustainable development, social justice, development goals, environmental awareness

Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Agricultural Soils of Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

Contamination of soil with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is receiving great attention worldwide due to its apparent toxicity and hazards to local residents. The assessments of soil PTE distribution, sources, and environmental risks are, therefore, the first steps of high-efficiency pollutant degradation and sustainable utilization. The current study used a variety of contamination indicators and multivariate methods to evaluate the environmental risk of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in Al-Ahsa soils in eastern Saudi Arabia. For analysis, 30 surface soil samples were collected from palm fields irrigated with groundwater and treated sewage water. Landsat images of Al-Ahsa indicated an increase in the total vegetative area and the residential area, and a decrease in the bare land area from 1985 to 2021. The average concentrations of PTEs (mg/kg−1) were lower than the maximum admissible concentrations and had the following decreasing order: Zn (54.43) > Cr (28.67) > Ni (14.53) > Cu (10.83) > Pb (5.23) > As (2.27) > Hg (0.35) > Cd (0.26). The enrichment factor (EF) findings confirmed that the Al-Ahsa soil is significantly enriched with Hg, moderately to severely enriched with As, and moderately enriched with Cd. The potential ecological risk index (RI) demonstrates a moderate ecological risk, with only certain parts presenting a high risk. The different PTE levels in agricultural soils may be caused partly by the various qualities of groundwater that originate from various aquifers and sewage-treated water. The results of a multivariate analysis showed that most of the anthropogenic sources of Hg, As, and Cd may come from using a lot of fertilizers and insecticides. Levels of the remaining PTEs indicated natural sources from earth crust materials.

Isolation and Characterization of Arylamidase-Producing Pseudomonas Alcaligenes from the Water of Al-Asfar Lake, Al Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

Al-Asfar Lake is an important shallow lake that suffered greatly from anthropogenic eutrophication; therefore, it received considerable interest for economic and environmental purposes. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the presence of P. alcaligenes based on culture-dependent methods and detect this enzyme activity by the VITEK biochemical tests. The water sample was collected from the lake, serially diluted through sterile saline, and then inoculated and spread onto CHROMagar media and Mueller Hinton agar media. Then purified by the single selection of all different types of colonies by streaking to obtain well-isolated colonies The P. alcaligenes and the enzyme has been successfully identified with a probability of 95% by VITEK 2® COMPACT automated system after determining the Gram stain characteristic for the isolate under a microscope This study proved the existence of P. alcaligenes species that have never been reported previously in Al-Asfar Lake. Therefore, P.alcaligenes species can be an ideal candidate to take advantage of in pollutant biodegradation and to be invested in bioremediation applications to enhance environmental sustainability, in the future. How to Cite: Abeer T. Al Mousa, Ashraf Y. Khalifa, Munirah F. Aldayel, 2022. "Isolation and Characterization of Arylamidase-Producing Pseudomonas Alcaligenes from the Water of Al-Asfar Lake, Al Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia." Journal of Agriculture and Crops, vol. 9, pp. 122-129.

An Economic Study: Date Palm Farmers in Al Ahsa Oasis-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The study mainly aimed to discover the factors impacting the production and profits of date palm farmers in Al Ahsa Oasis in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for seasons 2020/2021. The study's secondary goals are represented in studying the social characteristics of date palm farmers, and the most important factors impacting the production and profits of date palm farmers in Ah Ahsa Oasis, in addition to identifying the obstacles faced by farmers. The study relied mainly on the preliminary information collected through questionnaires, and secondary information collected from different sources relevant to the research subject. Data analysis was conducted through descriptive statistics for economic and social variables, regression analysis, and Likert scale. Study results showed that farmers aged from 51 to 61 are the majority with 37%, most of whom are married with 95.4%. They have more than 10 years of experience with 81.82%, and their income is around 10000 riyals as those represent a percentage of 48.86%. The regression analysis has also showed that the production cost and the farm's area have a positive and significant effect on production quantities. The most important obstacles faced by farmers are the low productivity, the increase of damage date percentage, and low prices. The study recommends using modern technologies, hiring skilled labor that may increase profits, and encouraging exportation in order to raise local prices.

Using a pedotransfer (PTF) model to establish GIS-based maps for the main physical and hydraulic soil properties in the eastern region of the Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia.

This study aims to produce digital maps showing the physical and hydraulic soil properties of the Al-Ahsa Oasis in Saudi Arabia by employing the capabilities of the GIS technique. These maps can display the pattern distribution of different physical and hydraulic properties of soil accurately and accessibly. Recently developed local pedotransfer function (PTF) models were applied to the basic soil data of earlier research covering 566 points. An analysis was conducted using a spatial interpolation technique of the GIS program. Maps of spatial patterns described essential soil physical and hydraulic properties such as sand%, silt%, clay%, bulk density (ρ), saturation (θs), field capacity (FC), wilting point (WP), and soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) fitting parameters b, c, d. Sand dominates most of the study area, particularly in the northeast near Hufof. This may be attributed to the deposition of drifting sand and dune movement. Silt and clay increased in other locations. Bulk density ρ was positively increased with sand and negatively with silt and CaCO3 content. Soil hydraulic properties (θ, FC, WP, and SWCC fitting parameters b, c, d) were positively correlated with silt and ρ and negatively with sand content. This digital map can be employed for a general overview investigation, for the whole studied area, for agricultural expansion and for environmental studies.

Efficiency of Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus cereus against Rhynchophorus ferrugineus.

Simple SummaryRynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, the red palm weevil (RPW), is a damaging insect that often severely infests palm trees. Since insecticides have a detrimental environmental impact and may lead to pesticide resistance, new biological control methods are needed. Bacteria from many different species affect the RPW larval growth, health, and immunity. The work evaluates the crosstalk between the RPW and rhizosphere bacteria. Four bacterial isolates, three belonging to Bacillus cereus and one belonging to B. thuringiensis, had a significantly higher impact on the mortality of the larvae and adults of the RPW than other bacteria that were tested did. The results emphasize the significant potential of developing new microbial resource-based management techniques for this pest.The Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliv.) (Coleoptera, Dryophthoridae) is a well-known palm tree pest that has caused enormous economic damage all over the globe. Insecticides are still the primary method of controlling this pest at this period. However, field populations of RPW have been shown to be resistant to pesticides. Using Bacillus spp. might be one of the options for controlling R. ferruginous. In this study, 23 species of Bacillus spp. were isolated from the rhizosphere of date palm trees in Al Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. The isolates were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. R. ferrugineus larvae and adults were tested on sugarcane pieces that were treated with the B. thuringiensis strain PDC-AHSAA1 and B. cereus strains (PDC-AHSAA2, PDC-AHSA3 and PDC-AHSA4). The LC50 values for larvae and adults were quite low when they were compared with those of the other isolated strains. The B. thuringiensis strain PDC-AHSAA1 was more effective against both the larvae and adults. The determined LC50 values for B. thuringiensis ranged from 4.19 × 107–3.78 × 109. After 21 days, the data on larval mortality and body weight were evaluated. The surviving larvae that were treated with the bacterial isolates did not acquire a substantial weight. For the RPW larvae and adults, the mortality and corrected mortality death rates were increased by increasing the concentration of B. thuringiensis. In conclusion, Bacillus-treated diets negatively influenced the growth and development of the RPW. This research reported on the interaction between the RPW and the rhizosphere Bacillus spp. and highlighted the tremendous potential for the development of microbial resource-based control strategies for this pest.

Analyzing the Spatial Correspondence between Different Date Fruit Cultivars and Farms’ Cultivated Areas, Case Study: Al-Ahsa Oasis, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Diversity in date palm (DP) cultivars plays a crucial role in the agroecosystems of several countries, such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study aims to map and analyze the spatial distribution of the most grown DP cultivars (Khlas, Ruziz, and Shishi) in the Al-Ahsa oasis in the KSA and to highlight their spatial correlation with the corresponding cultivated patches within farms. Descriptive and spatial data on 288 farms were analyzed using GIS, data curation, cross-TAB statistics, clustering maps, and spatial autocorrelation techniques. The obtained results revealed that most of the oasis’s DP farms are within a cultivated area of <500 m2. The larger cultivated areas are mostly in the oasis’s northern and central subregions, agreeing with the spatial distribution of trees. In total, 56.9% of the studied farms grew the cultivars together within the least rank (<500 m2) of cultivated area, having the greatest tendency for DP cultivation. Khlas was the most dominant cultivar being the least absent from cultivation with 3.1% compared to Ruziz (31.9%) and Shishi (37.8%). The spatial distribution of DP plantations in the oasis was also consistent with the spatial variation in soils and irrigation water salinity, necessitating the need for special agricultural extension programs. In conclusion, these outcomes indicate that this study is essential for DP sustainability, growers, authorities, and policy makers.