The present work aimed at studying morphological, chemical, physical and mineralogical properties of some soils located on Damietta branch, Nile River, between latitudes 30° 06´ and 30° 36´ N and longitudes 31° 03´ to 31° 35´ E. Twenty soil profiles have been chosen to represent the studied. The pH values varied from 6.65 to 8.77. The EC values range from 0.17 to 3.45 dSm-1. Values of the CEC fluctuated between 3.91 and 51.13 cmolCkg-1 soil. ESP ranged between 2.29 and 18.79. Organic matter varied from 1.60 to 25.30 gkg-1. Calcium carbonate ranged from 6.70 and 29.30 gkg-1. Gypsum ranged from 7.70 to 29.20 gkg-1. Five textural classes are identified in the studied area, i.e. clay, clay loam, sandy clay loam, loamy sand and sand. The soils show a state of stratification and heterogeneity of parent material. The studied soils are considered young from the pedological point of view. The soils are of S1 class (highly suitable), S2 (moderately suitable) and S3 (marginally suitable). Currently, the soils are related to three sub classes, i.e. S2s: with slight intensity of texture, gypsum and salinity and alkalinity limitations; S2sn: with moderate intensity of salinity and alkalinity and slight intensity of texture limitations and S3s: with severe intensity of texture limitation. Potentially, the soils are classified into two subclasses, i.e. S2s: with slight (S2s-1) and severe (S2s-2) intensity of texture limitations and S3s: with severe intensity of texture limitations. The soils are suitable in their current conditions for most of selected crops, although some soils appears not suitable (N1) for cotton, carrots, onion, tomatoes, banana, guava and mango. By performing some improvements on the studied soils, they would be suitable in their potential conditions for all the selected crops. |
