Establishment of a Demonstration Site for Soilless Agriculture with a Rainwater Harvesting System from Building Roofs and Garden Landscaping at Safawi Field Station

Dr. Khaled Al-Masaeid – Project Summary

The proposed project aligns with Goals 3 and 4 of the NCRD 2025 Strategy, aiming to integrate and enhance the interconnectedness of water, energy, food, and ecosystems (WEFE) to achieve sustainable development. It seeks to transform the buildings of the Safawi Field Station into environmentally friendly green facilities. The project is divided into three main components: 

1. A Demonstration site for soilless agriculture (hydroponics). 

2. Rainwater harvesting from rooftops. 

3. Garden or landscaping. 

The Demonstration site will serve as a training and educational hub for students, local farmers, and the community to demonstrate sustainable hydroponic farming methods in rural areas. It will raise environmental awareness and provide hands-on experience in modern agricultural practices, and emphasizing the WEFE nexus. 

1. Hydroponic Systems 

A soilless agricultural system will be established using hydroponic techniques. It includes two cooled greenhouses (each 9 × 30 m). Each greenhouse will feature diverse hydroponic technologies (channels, Nutrient Film Technique NFT, and basins). Irrigation will be managed via a modern automated fertilization system, and a weather station will be installed to collect real-time climatic data for Safawi Station. 

2. Rainwater Harvesting System

A rainwater harvesting system will be installed on a rooftop to provide an eco-friendly water source for irrigating hydroponic crops.

3. Garden Landscaping and Tree Planting

A 3,000 m² landscaped green space will be established, integrating medicinal plants, native flora, ornamental species, and evergreen trees.