News & Research

The latest developments in saline agriculture and halophyte breeding

Research Test Stations Halophytes Saline Potato
Prof. Jan van der Zee May 3, 2024 7 comments

Halophytes as green manure: first practical results

The use of certain glasswort species as green manure improves the soil structure of saline plots. This report discusses the yield of the subsequent grain crop.

Ing. Lisa Meertens April 22, 2024 5 comments

Open Day Test Station Schouwen-Duiveland

Visit our test station and see the crops of the future with your own eyes. We demonstrate the cultivation of salt-tolerant grains and answer all your questions about saline agriculture.

Dr. Mark Jansen April 10, 2024 18 comments

Genetic diversity in wild halophytes mapped

A large-scale genetic study has revealed a valuable gene pool for breeding. This knowledge accelerates the development of commercial varieties for coastal agriculture.

Frequently asked questions about saline agriculture

What is saline agriculture or halophyte cultivation?
Saline agriculture is the cultivation of crops that are resistant to salt (halophytes) on salinized soil. This is an innovative solution for agricultural land that has become unusable for traditional crops due to sea level rise or saltwater intrusion.
Which crops does Dhanya International research?
At our test stations in Zeeland, we focus on breeding salt-tolerant potatoes and grains. We use genetic modification and traditional breeding techniques to develop varieties that can thrive on salinized soil.
Is saline agriculture the future for the Dutch coastal regions?
Yes, with rising sea levels, salinization is a growing problem. Saline agriculture offers an opportunity to keep these lands productive while simultaneously ensuring food security. It is a sustainable adaptation to climate change.
Are these genetically modified crops safe?
All our research is conducted according to the strictest Dutch and European safety standards. Before a crop comes to market, it undergoes extensive testing for safety for humans, animals, and the environment.
Where are Dhanya International's test stations located?
Our main research facilities are located in Zeeland, an area ideally suited for research on salinization. Here we simulate different salt levels to find the optimal conditions for our halophytes.

What is saline agriculture and why is it important for the Netherlands?

Saline agriculture, also known as saltwater agriculture, is the cultivation of crops on saline soil or with saltwater. For the Netherlands, with its long coastline and rising sea levels, this is crucial to keep agricultural land threatened by salinization productive. It offers a sustainable solution for food security.

What are halophytes and what role do they play at Dhanya International?

Halophytes are salt-tolerant plants that naturally thrive in saline conditions. At Dhanya International, we specialize in the breeding of these plants. We research and develop, through genetic modification, variants of common crops, such as potatoes and grains, that possess the salt-tolerant properties of halophytes.

Where does Dhanya International's practical research take place?

Our practical research is conducted in specialized test stations in Zeeland. This region is particularly suitable due to the presence of saline soils. Here, we test and optimize our salt-tolerant crop varieties under real Dutch coastal conditions.

Are genetically modified crops safe for consumption and the environment?

All crops we develop undergo strict safety and environmental risk assessments according to Dutch and European legislation. Our goal is to ensure food safety while simultaneously protecting and promoting biodiversity and soil health in vulnerable coastal areas.

For which crops is Dhanya International currently developing salt-tolerant variants?

Our current research focus is on two main crops: potatoes and grains (such as barley and wheat). These are essential food sources. By making these existing crops resistant to salinization, farmers on threatened lands can continue their traditional cultivation.

How can farmers or partners get in touch with Dhanya International?

Interested parties can contact us via the contact form on our website or by email at info@dhanyainternational.com. We are happy to discuss possibilities for trial cultivation, knowledge exchange, or collaboration in research.

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