Arab Gulf University grows herbs without soil

Sultan Qaboos Centre for Modern Agriculture at the Arab Gulf University in Bahrain has conducted successful experiments on growing a number of herbs without soil. The method is called hydroponic system.

Experiments aimed at introducing and developing a number of herbs valued for their medical properties but which are not grown in the Gulf countries as they cannot be grown in the desert.

The herbs included Jordanian chamomile, mint, sage, thyme, chamomile and German chamomile and other plants which are popular in the Middle East countries.

The study adopted agricultural techniques of growing plants without soil to save water in addition to avoiding  technical parameters of agriculture, especially the vulnerable soil and harsh climate.

Dr Al Karaki, Professor of agriculture without soil and herbs physiology at Arab Gulf University and Jordanian Science and Technology University and Supervisor of Sultan Qaboos Agriculture Centre, said the scientific studies that have been conducted in the world on medicinal herbs using technology of agriculture without soil are very few, especially on the production of herbs.

Growing chamomile using this method has seen great success. Chamomile is used as a popular herbal remedy to combat depression, stress and anxiety and muscle relaxant. It is also used in cosmetics products.

Tests on sage - to grow it using hydroponic method - have also proved a great success. Sage is well known for its health benefits in treating indigestion, lack of appetite, oral inflammation, perspiration and sore throat. Sage is also used for stomach problems, excessive perspiration, reducing menopausal sweats, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, spices and better brain function.

Hydroponics is considered an easy technique that can be applied in home gardens and balconies and can save water by 70 per cent in comparison to soil-based plantation.