The National Center for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development (Estidamah) has successfully conducted a research trial to evaluate the performance of quinoa under the Kingdom’s arid environmental conditions. The study was carried out at the Center’s Agricultural Research Station in Al-Kharj Governorate as part of its efforts to diversify agricultural crops and strengthen food security.
The trial aimed to assess quinoa’s adaptability to local environmental conditions, including high temperatures, soil salinity, and limited water resources, as well as to identify the most suitable and productive varieties for future cultivation and expansion.
The study evaluated 21 quinoa varieties imported from several countries. During the initial phase, the varieties underwent preliminary assessments to examine growth vigor and physiological tolerance. Based on the results, seven promising varieties were selected for further evaluation in field trials.
The experiment was conducted using recommended agronomic practices for quinoa cultivation, including drip irrigation and balanced fertilization, in silty clay soil with moderate salinity. These conditions closely represent the agricultural environments commonly found in Saudi Arabia’s arid and semi-arid regions.
The results demonstrated notable differences in productivity among the tested varieties. The variety Golden Afternoon achieved the highest yield at approximately 4.3 tons per hectare, followed by Mint Vanilla with a yield of 4.0 tons per hectare, indicating their strong suitability for arid environmental conditions. Nutritional analyses also revealed that Peppermint recorded the highest protein content at 16.2%, while Golden Afternoon achieved the highest carbohydrate content at 76.7%, highlighting quinoa’s high nutritional value and promising potential within food production systems.
The success of this trial reflects the Center’s ongoing efforts to develop research-based solutions and advanced agricultural technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and promote the sustainable use of natural resources, thereby supporting the development of Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector.