Evaluation of Agri-Limitations for sustainable development at the area between El-Dabaa and El-Alamain, mediterranean region, Egypt [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Many of agricultural expansion projects in Egypt have not been succeeded due to the associated miss-definition of actual constrains for land productivity. This study was carried out at the area between El-Dabaa and El-Alamian, the North Western Mediterranean coastal zone of Egypt over an area of about 148000 feddans to characterize and evaluate the agro-limitations for land productivity. The area was surveyed through a total of 103 geo-referenced pedons based on 2 km - resolution systematic grid. Horizon-wise soil samples were collected for physical, chemical and fertility laboratory analyses. Environmental services and socio-economic concerns were considered and recorded using appropriate questionnaires. The lands were evaluated using both of PLES-Arid model (Parametric Land Evaluation System in arid regions) andQLDLPE approach (Qualitative desert land potentiality evaluation). PLES model deals with the soil technical concerns, while QLDLPE used to assess the socio-economic aspects. Applied models emphasized the integration of all limiting criteria affecting productivity in addition to assessment of utilization priority. Four main soil mapping units were distinguished; very deep to deep sandy soils (12.5%), moderately deep sandy soils (60.6%), shallow sandy soils (11.4%), and very shallow sandy soils (15.5%). Results indicated that limitations for land productivity which prevent optimum land productivity varying from site to others, however, they could be concluded as: rough topography, appearance of surface coarse weathered rock fragments and outcrops, shallowness of pedon depth, general low levels of soil organic matter and macronutrients. The area was generally characterized by dominancy of coarse texture with low percentage of clay content, low salinity, and high calcium carbonate content

Summary in Arabic.

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