Research is undertaken to develop biological and physical measures to combat soil erosion. Studies are undertaken to investigate soil moisture conservation and the relationship between rainfall, runoff and sedimentation at the catchment scale. Research is undertaken to improve the yield and quality of irrigated crops through the design of efficient management systems for irrigation and drainage. Measures are developed to increase irrigation efficiency, considering the possibilities of using wastewater in agriculture and of reducing waterlogging and salinity risks in irrigated areas by taking proper precautions. Land reclamation techniques are also developed.
Research is undertaken to protect and improve the sustainable fertility of agricultural soils.
Further research identifies the causes of soil pollution and considers the possibilities of using solid waste in agriculture. Research is undertaken to define the benefits of agricultural investment projects, and to conduct economical analyses of land consolidation and research investments, and of input optimisation for agricultural investments. Socio-economic problems affecting agricultural development are determined through the development of financial models for rural communities. The findings of the research activities of GDRS are disseminated in printed form to the farming community through an agricultural extension service, as well as being published in international journals. Other research results are fed into the project planning process.