Aims & Scope

The JOURNAL OF OASIS AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (JOASD) is an international open access journal supported by the Drylands and oasis cropping laboratory (Arid regions institute, Tunisia: http://www.ira.agrinet.tn/).

JOASD delves into research on oasis agriculture, with a special focus on sustainable development, the cultivation of promising crops, and greenhouse practices widely adopted by oasis farmers. Since January 2023, the journal has consistently published four issues per year.

JOASD's mission is to advance research and stimulate interest in key regulatory issues related to oasis agriculture, food systems, and environmental protection. The journal encompasses a wide range of scientific disciplines—including engineering, technology, and biotechnology—as they pertain to sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. The journal's core themes are derived from the acronym "OASIS," with each letter representing a primary focus area:

•        Oasis Crop Diversity

    *  Preserving the genetic diversity of oasis crops to enhance resilience.
    *  Investigating underutilized crops for their potential to strengthen food security in drylands.
    *  Assessing the benefits of crop rotation for soil health and agricultural productivity.

•        Agricultural Sustainability Practices

    *  Promoting sustainable practices that minimize environmental impacts.
    *  Highlighting the role of agroecology in fostering biodiversity and long-term sustainability.
    *  Supporting certification schemes for organic and sustainable farming.

•        Soil Health and Management

    *  Implementing soil conservation practices to prevent degradation.
    *  Utilizing techniques such as cover cropping and reduced tillage to boost soil health.
    *  Exploring the vital role of soil microbes in nutrient cycling and plant health.

•        Innovative Agricultural Technologies

    *  Evaluating the impact of modern technologies, such as drones and sensors, on agricultural efficiency.
    *  Advancing biotechnology applications to enhance disease resistance in crops.
    *  Leveraging big data and analytics to optimize agricultural productivity.

•        Sustainable Livestock Management

    *  Enhancing animal welfare and productivity in oasis-based livestock systems.
    *  Promoting rotational grazing to improve pasture health and soil quality.
    *  Integrating livestock and crop systems for a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

Through these priorities, JOASD aims to deepen the understanding of sustainable oasis agriculture and foster its development, benefiting both local communities and the environment.