Impact of Dust Storms on Agriculture
Details
Acronym
PURGE
Project title
Impact of Dust Storms on Agriculture
Coordinator Institute
ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence
Funding Body
Research and Innovation Foundation (Cyprus)
Thematic Area
Plant Ecology & Climate Monitoring
Keywords
plant physiology, Saharan dust, stomatal conductance
Description
PURGE is a research project that investigates how dust storms affect agricultural systems and crop performance. The project focuses on understanding the interactions between atmospheric dust deposition, plant physiology, water-use efficiency, and overall agricultural productivity, with particular emphasis on Mediterranean environments frequently exposed to Saharan dust events. Through field observations, environmental monitoring, and advanced analytical techniques, PURGE seeks to quantify the impacts of dust storms on crop health and agricultural sustainability while generating scientific knowledge to support climate adaptation and resilient farming practices. The project is funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation under the POST_DOC/0524 call and contributes to strengthening Cyprus’s research capacity in climate, environmental, and agricultural sciences.