Abstract
A soil survey was carried out in a small area on the mediterranean coast in north-west Egypt, 20 km east of Marsa Matrouh. The objective was to give a scientific contribution to land use planning in the coastal zone. Between plateaus and depressions the following soil units have been found (description according to the FAO-classification): a Calcic Yermosol (petrocalcic, saline and sodic phase), a Calcic Yermosol with exposed calcrete, a Haplic Yermosol and a Luvic Yermosol (sodic phase). In wadi beds Calcaric Fluvisols and on wadi banks Calcaric Regosols were determined. Analysed as characteristic soils were a Calcic, a Haplic and a Luvic Yermosol. From analysis and field observations site qualities were derived. In all profiles and depths the soils have high pH values, a moderate salt content and a high calcium carbonate content. The nutrient supply is neither a limiting nor a differing factor. Rooting depth, water capacity and position are important site qualities. They were compared with the demands of potential crops for the area (olives, figs, date palms, barley, water melons, alfalfa). So suitable areas for the crops were found. The deep Luvic Yermosol fit for all crops, the extremely shallow Calcic Yermosol (petrocalcic phase) is unsuitable for all crops. Measures for the improvement of rainfed agriculture are recommended.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
