As part of its research orientation toward adopting sustainable agricultural technologies, the Center for Arid Farming and Conservation Agriculture Research at University of Mosul began planting the spring chickpea crop on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The activity was supervised by Assistant Lecturers Thaker Jassim Mohammed and Ammar Habib Mahmoud, with the participation of a young team of agricultural engineers from the Center.

  This step followed prior soil treatment with biochar produced from olive residues, within a scientific approach aimed at improving soil fertility and enhancing its capacity to retain moisture and nutrients. This contributes to better plant growth and increased productivity in dry and semi-arid environments.

  Preliminary indicators have shown that the use of biochar improves germination rates, strengthens vegetative growth, and enhances the formation of root nodules responsible for atmospheric nitrogen fixation. It also increases water-use efficiency, positively reflecting on pod number, seed weight, and overall yield.

  This practice aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, including: Goal 1: No Poverty — by improving farmers’ economic returns. Goal 2: Zero Hunger — through increasing the production of a low-cost plant-based protein source. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — by supporting local agricultural activity. Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — by recycling agricultural residues and reducing chemical inputs. Goal 13: Climate Action — through carbon sequestration and improving soil resilience to climate change. Goal 15: Life on Land — by enhancing soil health and sustaining agricultural ecosystems.

  This initiative reaffirms the Center’s pioneering role in adopting innovative agricultural solutions that simultaneously enhance productivity and conserve natural resources.

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