Comparison between Mineralogical Properties of Oak Forest and Un-Cultivated Soils in Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the mineralogical properties of oak forest and un-cultivated soils at 12 locations in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, which included (Brifca, Gara, and Matin) in Duhok governorate, (Awagrd, Bilah, and Malakan) in Erbil governorate, (Badawan, Bardanga, and Chwarta) in Sulaimani Governorate and (Bakhakon, Hawar, and Sartak) in Halabja governorate. Clay minerals were identified from X-ray diffraction data and peaks. Peak height is used as a rough indicator of the relative abundance of minerals. In general, the expansion of 14A to 17A in ethylene glycol treatment was not detected because measuring started from 5 so thats why we cannot be differentiated between Chlorite and Smectite in that treatment. Swelling chlorite was the dominant mineral in these soils. While the miner clay mineral at that locations were Kaolinite. Mica was identified at all locations, while the dominant type of Mica at forest soils was Muscovite which was obtained from 6 sites, while Mica Biotite was obtained from 4 sites, but in un-cultivated sites, both types of mica recorded at 5 sites.