Assessment of optimum land use and water requirements for agricultural purpose in some soils South Paris Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt

Abstract

The current work is aimed to realizing land suitability and water use efficiency and determining the optimum land use system. The main aims were to identify the physiographic futures and calculate the crop water requirements for specific crops. The study area was observed through a soil survey inventory in Paris Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt. Ten soil profiles plus a number of auger observations and mini pits were selected to represent the different mapping units. A fieldwork and morphological description were carried out, and soil samples were collected for demonstrating the physical and chemical soil properties. Based on satellite data that can integrate with GIS utility, field work, and laboratory analysis, the physiographic map was generated. The study found that the main land type units are plateaus, hills, dunes, and depression floor. Concerning the second aim, the main land qualities of different mapping units were rated and matched to obtain the current and potential land suitability using automated land evaluation system. This research concluded that the best crops adapted with the soil conditions and could be feasible for economic use are clover, wheat, beans, sugar beet, onions, maize, sunflower, tomato, potato, groundnut, pea, lentil, barley, sesame, and carrots. Crop water requirements were determined in variable rate according to the actual plant requirements using the aid of FAO–Cropwat model. Irrigation schedule and consumptive use of suitable crops were calculated and adopted. The crop water requirements for each selected crop were determined as follow: 828.0, 596.7, 410.3, 679.95, 409.52, 791.60, 712.2, 902.93, 456.55, 529.95, 231.4, 217.95, 303.93, 502.65, and 274.35 mm, respectively.