Hidden beneath the sands of time, a revolutionary farming system from the early Islamic period might hold the key to feeding our increasingly water-stressed world. A new international study, led by Bar-Ilan and the Israel Antiquities Authority, has uncovered remarkable agricultural innovations that could transform how we grow food in arid regions.
These ancient farmers didn’t just survive in sandy, water-scarce environments – they thrived. Their secret? A clever system called Plot-and-Berm (P&B) that turned seemingly useless sandy soil into fertile ground. By harvesting groundwater and enriching soil with urban organic waste, they created sustainable gardens that produced watermelons, dates, grapes, and vegetables in places where modern farmers might struggle.
What makes this discovery particularly exciting is its potential to create a more sustainable agricultural future.
