Farmers in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra are using clear and black plastic covers to solarise and thermally sterilise soils during peak summer, reducing soil-borne pests without chemical fumigants and pointing to gains from sensors and biodegradable films.
Farmers in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region are deliberately turning the UAE’s summer heat into a farm-management tool. In reports carried by Al Etihad, growers say they cover prepared beds with plastic sheeting to solarize soils and, inside protected houses, use black covers to thermally sterilise the ground. The aim, they say, is to cut soil-borne pests, weed seed banks, and pathogens ahead of the new season while steering clear of chemical fumigants.
“Summer is a golden opportunity,” Saleh Mohammed Ya’rouf Al‑Mansouri told Al Etihad, describing solar and thermal sterilisation as a natural alternative to chemical gases. Another grower, Suhail Al Mazrouei, explained that he ploughs and leaves the soil exposed to the sun before sealing it, to ensure the land is clean for the next crop cycle.
What the farmers describe lines up with well-established ideas in agronomy. Solarisation uses clear polyethylene to trap incoming solar radiation and push soil temperatures up in the top layer. Extension services and international agencies recommend the method during the hottest weeks, typically leaving transparent film in place for four to six weeks. In sunny climates, soil surface temperatures under well-sealed clear plastic can rise quite a bit—often into the 40s and even low 50s Celsius. Extension guidance emphasizes moist, well-prepared soil and careful sealing of the film’s edges to maximise heat transfer. The University of California Integrated Pest Management programme cautions growers to monitor temperatures and avoid bringing untreated deeper soil back to the surface after treatment.
Academic work from the UAE backs these local observations. A thesis by researchers at UAE University tested transparent solarisation in the country’s climate and found significant reductions in weed seed viability, improved nutrient availability, and yield gains in cabbage after two months of treatment. The study also reported that thin and medium transparent films were most effective under Gulf conditions. The Food and Agriculture Organization notes the technique was developed and widely adopted across parts of the Middle East, where prolonged intense solar radiation helps disinfestation.
Practical differences between “solarisation” and other coverings matter. University of Florida IFAS and the University of Minnesota Extension distinguish clear plastic solarisation from occultation with opaque or black tarps. Clear film lets light penetrate the soil and usually yields higher peak temperatures. Opaque covers block light and absorb surface heat; they can be effective in some situations but often require longer treatment times. That helps explain why Al Dhafra growers use clear sheeting in open fields but opt for black covers inside protected houses, where extra insulation and trapped greenhouse heat can lift soil temperatures enough in a confined space.
There are important operational caveats. Extension services emphasise keeping soil moisture during treatment. Moist soil conducts heat better than dry soil, boosting efficacy against fungi, nematodes, and weed seeds. Monitoring is recommended because effectiveness depends on reaching and sustaining target temperatures in the top few centimetres. Solarisation is less effective in cloudy or rainy periods and won’t control some deep-burrowing pests. The University of California guidance also highlights post-treatment care: avoid reintroducing untreated soil or organic residues that could re-seed a problem.
Farmers and extension agents position solar and thermal sterilisation as part of integrated pest management, not a stand-alone silver bullet. The approach reduces reliance on chemical fumigants and matches environmental goals. The UAE University study reported changes in micronutrient availability after solarisation, alongside yield increases—findings that reinforce the technique’s potential to boost product quality and plant growth.
For the UAE’s climate-technology community, these practices point to opportunities. Simple, low-tech solarisation could benefit from modest technological add-ons: inexpensive soil temperature sensors and data loggers would let growers verify heat thresholds. Biodegradable or UV-stabilised films could cut plastic waste and improve longevity under intense sun. Supply-chain measures for recovering and recycling used plastic— a global challenge in solarisation programmes—would lower environmental cost. In protected structures, pairing thermal covers with passive ventilation control might balance heat for sterilisation without harming later crops or workers.
Al Dhafra farmers are already cashing in on an indigenous climatic advantage. As one grower told Al Etihad, sterilising soils properly helps ensure a safe and productive season. Industry data and extension literature suggest that, when applied correctly, solar and thermal soil disinfestation offers an economical, environmentally friendly tool for Gulf horticulture. The next step for the region will be tying these practices to smarter materials and monitoring systems that cut waste and improve reliability. It’s pretty clear that with a few thoughtful enhancements, these methods could become even more robust and widely used. You see, the potential is there, waiting to be fully realised.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.aletihad.ae/news/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA/4596416/-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%B4%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%8A–%D9%84%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%B9-%D9%83%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%A1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B8%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%A9 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74145.html – UC IPM provides practical guidelines on soil solarization, describing clear polyethylene mulching during the hottest weeks to trap solar radiation and raise topsoil temperatures to about 110–125°F (43–52°C). It explains materials, plastic thickness, sealing edges, duration (typically four to six weeks, longer in cool or cloudy areas), and post-solarization care to avoid bringing up untreated soil. The page notes that solarization controls many soilborne pests, pathogens and weeds, recommends monitoring soil temperature, and discusses alternatives such as leaving clear plastic as mulch or using different plastics in specific climates. It emphasises solarization’s role in integrated pest management for sustainable production.
- https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN856 – The University of Florida IFAS Extension describes soil solarization as a hydrothermal pest management method that requires clear plastic sheeting to transmit sunlight and heat moist soil, effectively reducing fungi, bacteria, nematodes and weed seeds. Guidance stresses using thin, transparent polyethylene, sealing edges, maintaining moisture and leaving plastic in place for at least six weeks during the hot season. It explains why black or reflective plastics are unsuitable for solarization, and recommends shallow cultivation post-treatment to avoid bringing untreated soil to the surface. The document summarises efficacy, limitations in cloudy or rainy conditions, and practical recommendations for gardeners and growers.
- https://www.fao.org/4/T0455E/T0455E09.htm – The FAO chapter on soil solarization reviews polyethylene film use to trap solar radiation and produce a greenhouse effect warming upper soil layers. It highlights transparent polyethylene as ideal, notes film thickness and UV stabiliser considerations, and explains that thinner clear films often heat soil more effectively than black films. FAO describes how double layers can raise temperatures further and summarises field durations and material durability under strong sunlight. The text situates solarization as a globally used, pesticide-reducing technique, noting its development in the Middle East and suitability for hot climates where prolonged intense solar radiation improves disinfestation outcomes effectively.
- https://scholarworks.uaeu.ac.ae/all_theses/529/ – This UAE University thesis reports field experiments near Al Ain demonstrating solarization’s effectiveness in the UAE climate. Using transparent polyethylene sheets during the summer, researchers observed significant reductions in weed seed viability, improved soil nutrient availability, and yield increases in cabbage following two months of solarization. The study compared different plastic colours and thicknesses, finding thin and medium transparent films most effective, and noted that solarization increased some micro-nutrients while remaining environmentally friendly compared with fumigants. The thesis recommends solarization as a practical, economical disinfestation method suitable for Gulf conditions and for improving crop quality and growth and reducing chemicals.
- https://hoke.ces.ncsu.edu/2025/06/solarizingsoil/ – North Carolina Cooperative Extension guidance outlines soil solarization steps for gardeners and farmers, advising covering moist, prepared soil with clear plastic for four to six weeks during the hottest period to raise surface temperatures substantially (often reaching 49–60°C in the top few centimetres). The page details sealing edges, maintaining soil moisture for heat conduction, using heavier plastic in windy sites, and weighing down sheets. It explains that higher temperatures reduce pathogens and weed seeds, and cautions against disturbing soil after removal to avoid reintroducing viable propagules. The page frames solarization as a simple, non-chemical method to improve soil health overall.
- https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/solarization-occultation – The University of Minnesota Extension contrasts solarization with occultation, noting that opaque black covers (occultation) block light and heat differently and generally require longer treatment times than clear plastic solarization. It explains occultation benefits such as reusable tarps and suitability where clear plastic might tear, and practicalities for large areas including using heavy silage tarps and weighing edges. The page clarifies that clear plastic tends to produce higher soil temperatures by transmitting sunlight into the soil, whereas black covers absorb surface heat. Guidance explains typical durations (at least four weeks) and reasons growers might choose one method over the other.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent practices by farmers in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, involving soil solarisation techniques to improve soil health. The earliest known publication date of similar content is July 29, 2024, when the Al Dhafra Region Municipality reported on expanding agricultural areas and increasing local wild plants. However, this earlier report does not mention soil solarisation. The current narrative appears to be original and timely, with no evidence of recycled content. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The content is not republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The narrative includes updated data and practices, justifying a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes from Saleh Mohammed Ya’rouf Al‑Mansouri and Suhail Al Mazrouei are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating original content. The wording of the quotes matches the original sources, with no variations found. No online matches were found for these quotes, raising the score and flagging them as potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Al Etihad, a reputable UAE-based news outlet. However, the report is based on a press release, which may not always provide independent verification of the information presented. The individuals mentioned, Saleh Mohammed Ya’rouf Al‑Mansouri and Suhail Al Mazrouei, are not widely known figures, and no verifiable online presence was found for them. This lack of verifiable information raises concerns about the authenticity of these individuals, potentially indicating fabricated sources.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative describes soil solarisation practices in Al Dhafra, which align with established agronomic techniques. The report includes specific details about the methods used, such as covering prepared beds with plastic sheeting and using black covers inside protected houses. These practices are consistent with known soil sterilisation methods. However, the lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the absence of verifiable information about the individuals mentioned raise concerns about the authenticity of the claims. The tone and language used are consistent with regional agricultural reporting. No excessive or off-topic details unrelated to the claim were noted. The tone is appropriately formal and resembles typical agricultural reporting.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents original content on soil solarisation practices in Al Dhafra, with unique quotes and timely information. However, the reliance on a press release and the lack of verifiable information about the individuals quoted raise concerns about the authenticity and reliability of the sources. The absence of supporting details from other reputable outlets further diminishes the credibility of the report. Given these factors, the overall assessment is a ‘FAIL’ with medium confidence.
