Impact of Dust Storms on Agriculture

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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.