Geographical distribution of soils in the Wadi al-Muhammadi basin of ‎Western Desert/Iraq‎

A. Turki, Noura; Gharbi, Moshtaq Ahmed; Mussa, Mohammad

doi:10.37653/juah.2023.181674

	Geographical distribution of soils in the Wadi al-Muhammadi basin of ‎Western Desert/Iraq‎
Journal of University of Anbar for Humanities
Volume 2023, Issue 4, December 2023, Pages 3081-3105 PDF (2.3 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.37653/juah.2023.181674
Authors
Noura A. Turki¹; Moshtaq Ahmed Gharbi²; Mohammad Mussa¹
¹University of Anbar - College of Arts
²University of Anbar- Desert Studies Center
Abstract
Objectives: The study aims to geographically and spatially analyze the soils of the Wadi al-Muhammadi Basin in the Iraqi Western Desert and prepare a map of the geographical distributions of the basin’s soils. Method: The research followed the modeling of study samples of soil sections (6 sections). The horizons of the sections were determined between 2-4. Samples were modeled at different depths using the Free Lance Soil Survey method. Then, the soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory Results: By studying the morphological description of the basin’s soil sections and the results of chemical and physical analyses, the study showed that the geographical distribution of the basin’s soils is divided into the rank of dry soils (Aridisols), the rank of undeveloped soils (Entisoils), and the suborders (Calcids), (Salids), and (Fluvents). It contains the following groups (Haplocalcids) and (Torrifluents). The results of chemical analysis of soil profiles in the study area indicate a high value of dissolved salts (TDS), and their values ranged between 18300-292 ppm. The highest value was recorded in Gharb Al-Awasel and the lowest value in the alluvial fan of the Wadi Al-Mohammadi basin. Conclusion: The lands of the basin were divided into six land units with geomorphological names through visual interpretation of the Landsat 8 satellite image. They are units (high plateaus, flat plateaus, ‎marshes, valleys, alluvial fan, and floodplain). The morphological description of the soil profiles and the chemical and physical analysis of the soil samples were carried out to classify the spatial analysis of the basin’s soils into two main categories: dry soils and newly formed soils. It was categorized into Below rank and large groups, and Under the major groups. The results of the study were represented by a map of the geographical distributions of the soils of the valley basin. Recommendations: The study recommends conducting similar studies in the Western Desert and the Jazira Desert for the purpose of knowing the types of soils through detailed and applied studies. Assessing the natural condition of the soil and identifying areas susceptible to deterioration. Working to create natural plant reserves to protect the soil from deterioration.
Keywords
Geographical distribution; Western desert; Wadi al-Mohammadi; Soils

References
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