Al Ain City Municipality Launches Solar Soil Sterilisation Project

Al Ain City Municipality has introduced a solar soil sterilisation project aimed at improving soil quality and reducing reliance on chemical treatments in agricultural and green spaces. The method uses solar energy to increase soil temperatures to levels that eliminate plant diseases and weed seeds, offering an alternative to traditional pesticide-based approaches.
According to officials, the process involves covering soil with transparent plastic sheets that allow sunlight to pass through while trapping heat over a period of two to four weeks. Moisture and temperature levels are monitored throughout, with the treatment supported by the use of approved fertilisers to enhance effectiveness.
Project manager Al Yazia Rashid Al Neyadi said the approach is designed to improve soil health while limiting environmental impact. The municipality said the technique contributes to increased soil fertility and biological activity, while reducing the spread of pests and plant diseases. It also supports improved plant growth and is expected to lower operational costs over time by decreasing dependence on chemical inputs.