TRADITIONAL CULTIVATION OF POMEGRANATE IN OMAN

Oman is located on the South-Eastern Arabian peninsula at the crossroads between the continents of Asia and Africa. Variations in topography and climate allow for the cultivation of several fruit crops, including temperate crops. At the high altitude of the Al Jabal Al Akhdar mountain range in northern Oman, pomegranate and temperate crops are grown. The inhabitants of the mountain oases follow a traditional system of cultivating pomegranates in the man-built terraces. Family-owned, small-scale farms are predominant in these terraces. Changes in climate and the generation gap threaten the continuation of this system of cultivation. This paper discusses the horticulture of pomegranates in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman, including traditional planting systems, irrigation, fertilizer application, tree and farm management, and the various uses of pomegranate fruit. Recording such information is valuable to preserve the traditional knowledge of small-scale crops such as pomegranates in Oman.