In the dry regions of the Middle East, diatomaceous earth (DE), a silica-rich powder that has been fossilised from ancient algae, becomes a useful and environmentally beneficial resource. DE’s non-toxic qualities are highlighted by the fact that coastal mangroves are essential for blue carbon, mining demands sustainability, and agriculture is strained by water constraint. Regional adoption is in line with Vision 2030’s objectives for green innovation, from Jordan’s deposits to UAE pilots. These applications provide models for similar dryland problems for Australian agribusinesses.
Diatomaceous Earth in Middle Eastern Farming
DE reduces the need for chemicals during the increase in organic farming by acting as a natural insecticide and soil enhancer in water-stressed countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Insects like beetles in stored grains, sorghum, maize, and cowpeas are dehydrated by DE’s sharp particles without leaving any trace, making it perfect for exports that must adhere to halal standards. Farmers in the area use food-grade DE supplied by Iranian and South African companies to dust crops for 90% pest control effectiveness. Local diatomite from Azraq improves soil aeration and moisture retention in Jordan, increasing date palm and olive yields by 15–20% in spite of salt.
According to trials, DE performs better than synthetics in hot areas, which is consistent with Gulf organic tendencies. Farmers in Egypt’s Nile Delta incorporate it within integrated pest management to reduce expenses and promote halal certification.
Mining: Applications and Sustainability
Despite salty extraction challenges, Jordan’s Azraq basin contains enormous quantities of DE, which are mined for industrial use throughout the Middle East.
DE reduces environmental damage by filtering oil in UAE rigs and absorbing spills at Qatari ports after being processed into fine particles. Iran’s facilities grade it for dust reduction on haul routes and mining explosives stabilisation, improving worker safety in hot weather. The Saudi Green Initiative is compatible with sustainable methods, low-impact quarrying and calcining, and the production of high-purity DE for export.
Australia is becoming more interested; Hudson Resources observes that the Middle East requires DE in sustainable mining, which is similar to WA operations for filtering and absorbent applications.
DE’s For Mangrove Restoration
Where DE helps with soil amendment in hypersaline areas, coastal Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates use mangroves to prevent erosion.
DE increases sediment porosity in 10,000-hectare projects in Abu Dhabi, enabling Avicennia marina roots to pierce thick, saline crusts and increasing seedling survival rates from 20% to higher rates. Dendra Systems supports AI-drone planting in the UAE’s $27 million mangrove drive by mixing DE into topsoil for pH balance and drainage.
DE is used for gradual natural regeneration in Saudi Arabia’s 4,000-hectare Persian Gulf forest, removing saline layers to promote grey mangroves. Every year, Egypt’s Red Sea MERS installs 10,000 seedlings, and DE strengthens the resilience of dry ecosystems to climate change.
Regional Challenges and Innovations
Jordanian mining is complicated by saline deposits, yet cutting-edge drying technology produces useful products similar to Danish Molar. Functionalised variations are encouraged by regulatory pushes for eco-DE in food and pharmaceuticals.
Farmers are trained on DE apps through Gulf partnerships like FAO and GIZ, guaranteeing scalability.
Aussie-Middle East Synergies
Australia’s DE mining in Western Australia supplies the Middle East via shipping to Asia-Pacific centres. Mangrove DE technology could be modified by joint ventures for outback soil remediation or Great Barrier Reef buffers.
Conclusion
The Middle East uses diatomaceous earth as a multipurpose ally that promotes sustainable growth, protects fields from pests, stabilises mines, and saves mangrove soil. These arid-adapted tactics benefit Australians and promote cross-hemispheric trade in green agricultural solutions.
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