Work programme

The goal of OASE is the development of strategies for the remediation and economic (re-) use of various types of saline wastelands and saline water resources. Emphasis will be on competitive and cost effective sustainable solutions and steps for the implementation of first large scale demonstration projects.

Markets: OASE concentrates on the development of biosaline products for renewable energy (biomass) and biomaterials. These products have known and growing markets at all levels from local to international.

Crops: As trees are still the preferred carbon material, OASE is concentrating on the implementation of biosaline forestry and agroforestry (trees in combination with other crops, e.g. fodder for animals) strategies.

Water resources: OASE is not just focussing on seawater (the growth of crops is very limited) but rather on other unconventional water sources like brackish water. OASE is developing new strategies for the use of these water resources in agro forestry systems.

Through its long research experience on the use of seawater and the cultivation of Salicornia bigelovii, OASE is involved in two programmes: (1) The development of Salicornia for renewable energy purposes and for fodder; (2) The development of other seawater grasses with a commercial value.

In the coming years OASE will develop the following activities:
• Trials with biosaline species for renewable energy purposes
• Contribute to classification and systemising of biosaline systems
• Pilot plantations to assess optimal agronomic practices.
• Develop marketing strategies for saline products
• Semi-commercial demonstration projects
• Dissemination of know how: Show examples of good practices
• Encourage plant breeding programs to increase in crop productivity
• Strategy development: Encourage decision makers (public, private, ngo’s) to implement biosaline agroforestry systems for the regeneration of wastelands.