Perceptions and attitudes of farmers and landowners on soil salinity management and use of elemental sulphur in Oman

Abstract

Soil salinity threatens agricultural sustainability globally and is a significant challenge in Oman. Previous studies in Oman focused on examining the causality and spatiotemporal variation of groundwater and soil salinity, neglecting farmers' perceptions and attitudes toward salinity management. Therefore, this study evaluates (i) perceptions and attitudes of landowners and farmers toward soil salinity and its management, and (ii) determinants of willingness to use elemental sulfur to alleviate soil salinity in Oman. A questionnaire survey (122 responses) assessed perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge using Likert scales and qualitative questions. Binary Logistic Regression analyzed determinants of willingness to use elemental sulfur. Results reveal variations in perceptions, attitudes, knowledge, and management practices. Most of the respondents were aware of adequate nutrient and water requirements for crops (P<0.05). Respondents rely on social media (38.5%), fellow farmers (32.1%), and personal experiences (11.5%) for knowledge acquisition about soil salinity management. Half of the respondents did not monitor soil salinity, while the other half relied primarily on visual observation. A substantial number (62.6%) of the respondents did not implement any techniques to alleviate soil salinity, while among those who acted, a majority preferred cultivating date palms (55%) or fodders (29.4%). Awareness of the national salinity management strategy and commercial products is lacking. However, when introduced to elemental sulfur as a soil amendment for salinity, 74.8% of the respondents demonstrated a willingness to utilize it. Most (82.4%) preferred elemental sulfur products within the lowest price range. Being a full‐time farmer, owning a farm, awareness of the national strategy, and low‐price preferences were positive determinants, while <1 year farming experience was negative determinant to willingness to use elemental sulfur. These findings inform future research on socio‐economic perceptions of salinity in Oman, the Gulf region, and similar arid areas facing food production limitations.