SOIL EVALUATIOIN FOR AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN AN AREA OF NORTHWESTERN COAST, EGYPT.

The aim of the present work is to evaluate some land resources in an area of northwestern coast, Egypt for agriculture development. The study area is extend from El-Alamin in the east to El-Dabaa on the west and lies between longitudes 28o 24' 00'' and 29o 00' 30'' E and latitudes 30o 44' 00'' and 31o 01' 30'' N, with a total area of 719.4 Km2 (71940 hectares). RS and GIS techniques were used for identifying and interpretation the geomorphologic units of the study area. The geomorphologic map of the area was produced using digital image processing of Landsat ETM+, TIN, DEM, geological map and field observation data. Accordingly, three main geomorphologic units are recognized: gently sloping marine plain, lacustrine plain and terraced marine plain. Thirty four soil profiles (representing the geomorphologic units) were selected and allocated by the portable Global Positioning System (GPS) and the soils are morphologically described in the field. 63 soil samples have been collected from the profiles according to the morphological variations. The physical and chemical properties of soil samples were determined in the lab. The current suitability of the studied soils was estimated by matching between the present land characteristics and their ratings outlined by Sys and Verhey (1978) and Sys et al (1991). Suitability indices and classification of the studied soils revealed that there are two suitability classes, i.e. marginally suitable (S3) and currently not suitable (N1). The soil limiting factors in the study area are depth, texture, topography, CaCO3 and salinity & alkalinity with slight to severe and very severe intensity for soil limitations. Further land improvements are required to correct or reduce the severity of limitations exiting in the studied area, such as: a) leaching of soils salinity and reclamation of soil sodicity, b) continuous application of organic, manure to improve soil physico-chemical properties and fertility status, and c) application of modern irrigation system, i.e. drip and sprinkler. By applying the previous improvement practices, potential suitability of the studied soils could raised to moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3).