IMPACT OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL
PROPERTIES OF SOIL ON THE GROWING PLANT IN
EL MOUNIRA – EL QATTARA NEW VALLEY.
Abd El Salam M. Elwa1*; Ahmed M. Abou-Shady1; Ahmed Sayed 2
and Hossam Showman3
1- Soil Physics and Chemistry Department, Water Resources and Desert Soils
Division, Desert Research Center, El-Matariya 11753, Cairo, Egypt
2- Pedology Department, Water Resources and Desert Soils Division, Desert Research
Center, El-Matariya 11753, Cairo, Egypt
3- Environmental and Desert Agriculture Division, Desert Research Center, El-
Matariya 11753, Cairo, Egypt.
1* E-mail - abdelsalamelwa33@yahoo.com
Key Words: Soil Chemistry, Soil Physics; Plant Productivity; New
Valley.
ABSTRACT
In the preset work, seven soil profiles were taken from El Qattara, New
Valley, to evaluate the physical and chemical properties and it relationship with
existing heavy metals and its possibility for growing various crops. In general,
the New Valley Governorate is considered one of most promising areas for the
agricultural development in Egypt. So that, it was very important to quantify the
variability of heavy metals containing cultivated soils in New Valley area. The
obtained results showed that different soil map units were represented in the
studied soil profiles such as 1) moderately deep coarse textured soils, 2)
moderately deep and moderately coarse textured soils, and 3) deep and
moderately to fine textured soils.
The concentrations of available heavy metals including Fe, Cu, Zn,
and Mn were relatively low. The correlation between the studied chemical
and physical properties were found to be osculated among the positively and
negatively values, and there was no stable tendency observed within the
studied available and total heavy metals. The concentrations of available
heavy metals were relatively low and were ranged among 8.15 – 10.48 mg
kg-1 for Fe, 0.18 – 0.23 mg kg-1 for Cu, 0.41- 0.65 mg kg-1for Zn, and 1.01 –
2.59 mg kg-1 for Mn. It was noticed that the concentrations of available Mn,
total Zn, total Ni, total Pb, and total Cr in the studied soil profiles were the
most heavy metals that correlated positively with soil chemical properties.
All the surface layer in all profiles suffer increasing in EFs of heavy metals
from significant to very high and extremely enrichment.
1. INTRODUCTION
One of the most challenges that facing Egyptian government is the
requirement for better development and management of the current natural
resources to be ultimately capable of overcoming the increased annual
consumption of food and feed simultaneously with the incredibly growth of
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021 148-173
Egyptian population. The relationship between land and human resources is
Egypt is considered the most critical issue (Sayed, 2013). The continuously
increases of Egyptian population resulted in a big gap between the total
production of food and feed and the real consumption. This issue has created
a big pressure on Egyptian government to increase the total area of
reclaimed land via stablished several mega projects within the last decades
such as El Sallam Canal project, Toshka project, 1.5 Acres Project, Sharq
Al-Owainat project, New Villages project, and Darb El Arbaeen project
(Abou-Shady, 2016 a and b; Abou-Shady, 2017; Abou-Shady,etal.,
2020). Generally, the Egyptian soils may be divided into two main
categories as follows a) desert sandy and calcareous soils and b) the
transported alluvial origin. Owing to the severe deficiency of water supply in
Middle East and North Africa counters it was observed that the alluvial soils
have been already received excessive continuous amounts of heavy metals
and micro-nutrients via both wastewater reuse, intensive agriculture, and
excessive fertilization. Whereas, the opposite trend was observed in the
desert sandy and calcareous soils in which a very low content of either
heavy metals or micro-nutrients were exist (Khalil et al., 2009; Ramadan
et al., 2020; Bahnasawy et al., 2020; Hegab et al., 2016; Abou-Shady,
2016a and b; Abou-Shady, 2017; Abou-Shady et al., 2018 a, b, and c;
Eissa ei al., 2018; Khalfa et al., 2018).
Most of Egyptian soils are characterized by a comparatively high
concentrations of the total amounts of Fe, if it compared with other micro
nutrients. Whereas, it was reported that the concentrations of other forms
such as soluble and exchangeable of Fe are exist in a relatively low
concentrations particularly in well-drained soils (Abd Elrahman, 2005). In
general, it was found that the concentrations of Mn in different locations
exist in El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt were varied to be between 280-840
mg kg-1, whereas the concentrations of available Mn were varied between
2.0-12.9 mg kg-1. Regarding, the concentrations of Zn it was found to be
among 20.7-55.1 mg kg-1. The maximum values of total Zn were explored
to be depend on soil texture and complied with the following sequence of
clay texture clay > loam > clay loam > sandy clay loam > sandy clay >
sandy loam. This is owing to the fact that the fine particles soils involved
relatively high amounts of organic matter. In the same locations of El-
Fayoum governorate, Egypt, it was explored that the total concentrations of
Cu were varied between 58-104 mg kg-1, whereas the values of the
extractable form of Cu were varied between 1.6-8.4 mg kg-1. It was also
reported that, the total or available concentrations of Cu in different soils
were mainly correlated according to the following factors CaCO3
concentrations, soil texture, and organic matter content. (Elgala et al., 1986;
Abd Elrahman, 2015). The total concentrations of Ni in different alluvial
soils located at El-Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, was explored to be varied
149 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021
between 33.5-77 mg kg-1, whereas the amounts of available extraction
showed the lower concentrations of Ni in which the concentrations were
varied between 0.44-1.34 mg kg-1. In El-Gabal El-Asfar area, in which the
largest wastewater treatment plant is exist it was reported that, the available
concentrations of Pb were exist in the following range of concentrations
0.26 to 37.4 mg kg-1. Also, it was reported that the relatively high
concentrations of Pb in El-Gabal El-Asfar area may be owing to the relying
on irrigation with sewerage water for a long period. It was demonstrated that
the concentrations of available Pb in the surface layers of soils that were
under intensive irrigation for 10 years were close to 11.8 mg kg-1. The total
concentrations of Co were investigated via collecting different soils samples
from Delta, Egypt in which the degree of pollution was differ to be nonpolluted,
moderately, and highly polluted soils. The obtained results
revealed that the concentrations of Co were varied between 13.12-23.20 mg
kg-1 and (26.5-30.0 mg kg-1) for the non-polluted and moderately polluted
soils, respectively. However, it was reported that the highest values of Co
were varied between 36-64.69 mg kg-1 (Abd Elrahman, 2015).
The research aims to shed light on the most important factors that
hinder or reduce soil productivity, as well as the spatial distribution of heavy
metals for lands irrigated with deep irrigation water (low salinity) and
surface water (highly saline). With a vision of how to overcome these units
in line with the strategy The state to raise the efficiency of land and water
units.in the preset work, we have investigated seven soil profiles located in
El Qattara New Valley, Egypt. Soil chemical and physical properties was
determined in the collected soil samples, however, heavy metals
concentrations were detected in the soil surfaces. Also, soil characteristics
and general land classification (capability and suitability for crops) have
been discussed.
2. MATERIAL AND METHODS
2.1. Description of the study area
New Valley Governorate may is considered one of the part of the
Western Desert in addition to it lies within the South-Western part of
Egypt. It covers a locality of concerning of a total area of 440,098 km²
that represents approximately a quarter mile of the total area of Egypt.
New valley Governorate includes five massive central specifically areas
as follows El-Kharga, Bareis, Balat, El-Dakhla, and El-Farafra. It was
noticed that agriculture is considered the main occupation of inhabitants
in New Valley Governorate. The New Valley Governorate climate is
extremely arid with long hot and rainy weather in summer and mild
rainfall in winter. The groundwater is considered the only water resource
for all activities in these oases (Swify et al., 2017).
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021 150
The studied area is bounded by longitudes among 30°40'20"E and
30°35'40″ E and latitudes among 25°37'14 N and 25°31'0″ N, that covers
a surface area of approximately 7330 hectares as it presented in Figure. 1.
The Lower Cretaceous-Lower Tertiary sedimentary sequence overlies
unconformably the geology of the Western Desert, including Kharga
Oasis. This sedimentary sequence includes the Nubian sandstone that
overlaid by variegated shale rock groups, which are well exposed to form
much of the depression floor bedrocks. Nearby the Kharga Desert spring
in Egypt, the Quseir Formation is considered a topographical
development as it shown in Figure 2. The lithology comprises generally
of delicate shale with hard sandstone groups.
In the present work seven soil profiles were chosen to represent the
different soil mapping units as it depicted in Figure (3). Data presented in
Table (1) shows the chemical analysis of the studied seven soil profiles.
Nineteen samples were collected from the studied soil profiles in which
two samples were taken from to depths (0-25 cm and 25- 70 cm) from
soil profiles numbers 1, 2, and 6. There samples were taken vertically
from the surface layer until 120 cm depth from the studied soil profiles
numbers 3, 4, and 5. Finally, four samples were taken vertically from soil
profile number 6 as follows (0-20 cm, 20- 40 cm, 40-85 cm, and 85-120
cm). The soil chemical analysis were carried out according to methods
mentioned in our previous studies (Abou-Shady et al 2012 a and b;
Abou-Shady and Peng, 2012; Eisaa, et al., 2018; Kalifa et al., 2018;
Ramadan et al., 2020; Bahnasawy et al., 2020; Abou-Shady,et al,.
2020). The soil profiles were wide open to a depth of approximately 70
to 150 cm. Soil profiles were expected to reflect the wide variations in
soil texture and soil salinity.
A morphological description of the studied soil profiles was carried
out according to the criteria that has been established by FAO guidelines
for soil description (Jahn et al., 2006).
In the Cervatana model, a land capability model is built to define
the capacity of the represented map units in the study area. The program
works through a sequence to match the land characteristics with the
conditions required for each capacity class. The model of soil suitability
was based on a study of edaphic factors influencing the production of
typical annual crops such as wheat, maize, melon, potatoes, soybeans,
cotton, sunflower, and sugar beet. Semi-annual or perennial crops such as
alfalfa, peach, citrus, and olive were selected, however, the Almagra
model was used to determine the suitability of agricultural soils for crop
production (De la Rosa, et al., 2004).
151 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021
Figure. 1 . Maps show the locations of the studied area.
Figure 2 . Map shows the geological of the study area (after CONOCO,
1987 and Abu Seif and sedek , 2013).
Study area
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021 152
Figure. 3. Map shows the location of studied soil profiles.
3.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1. Soil characteristics.
The current study explain the effect of physical and chemical
properties of the studied area on the growing plant in El Mounira – El
Qattara New Valley, Egypt and study some of heavy metals in the
cultivated soils of the studied region. Consequently, it is essential to
throw light on the relevant physical and chemical properties of the
investigated soils. Besides, heavy metals content of irrigation water as
153 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021
only source of metals and their bearing on crops grown on soils will be
considered.
The soil pH values were varied among the lowest values of 7.23 in
the surface layer of soil profile number 4, whereas the highest values
were detected in the deep layer of soil profile number 5 that was 8.82
which indicate the neutral effects of pH values. The electrical
conductivity values for soil-water extract were ranged among 0.21-6.80
dS m-1. The highest values were detected in the deep layers of soil
profiles number 4 and 2, however the rest of electrical conductivity
values were less than 2.30 dS m-1. The electrical conductively values
were increased in the soil past extraction, and ranged among 0.70-22.67
dS m-1 which indicate the bad effect of salinity on the grown crops.
Regarding the value of soluble Na in soil water extract 1:2.5 it was
noticed that the lowest values was obtained in the surface layer of soil
profile number 5 (1.75 meq L-1), whereas the highest value was observed
in the deep layer of soil profile number 7 to be 68.0 meq L-1. The values
of soluble K were varied among 0.02 meq L-1 to 33.74 meq L-1 in the
deep layer of soil profile number 7 and surface layer of soil profile
number 2, respectively. The values of soluble Ca were varied among 0.36
meq L-1 to 18.45 meq L-1 in the deep layer of soil profile number 7 and
deep layer of soil profile number 4, respectively. The values of soluble
Mg were varied among zero to 9.86 meq L-1 in the second layer of soil
profile number 6 and deep layer of soil profile number 2, respectively.
The values of soluble Cl were varied among 0.31 meq L-1 to 17.97 meq
L-1 in the second layer of soil profile number 1 and second layer of soil
profile number 2, respectively. The values of soluble SO4 were varied
among 0.08 meq L-1 to 47.46 meq L-1 in the surface layer of soil profile
number 4 and surface layer of soil profile number 2, respectively. The
values of soluble HCO3 were varied among 0.13 meq L-1 to 6.87 meq L-1
in the second layer of soil profile number 1 and deep layer of soil profile
number 2, respectively. The SAR values were varied among 7.17 to
10.23 in the second layer of soil profile number 1 and second layer of soil
profile number 2, respectively. The ESP were varied among the lowest
value detected in the second layer of soil profile number 1 and 7 to be
9.34, whereas the highest value was observed in the second layer of soil
profile number 2 to be 12.49.
Data explored in Table (2) reveals the vertical distribution of
CaCO3, gypsum, gravels, clay, sand, and soil texture in the studied soil
profiles. The CaCO3 percentages were varied among the lowest value that
has been detected in the third layer of soil profile number 3 to be 3.57 %,
whereas the highest value was observed in the third layer of soil profile
number 5 to be 24.25 %.
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021 154
Table (1) Chemical properties of the studied soils.
Prof. Samp. Depth
pH
EC(1:2.5)
Ec (soil
past)
Cations ( meq L-1) Anions ( meq L-1)
NO. NO. (cm ) ds/m-1 ds/m Na+ K+ Ca++ Mg++ CO3
-- HCO3
- Cl- SO4
-- SAR ESP
1
1 0 - 25 8.05 1.39 4.63 2.41 0.13 3.29 2.31 0.00 1.51 3.02 3.60 7.72 9.90
2 25 - 70 8.39 0.21 0.70 0.68 0.02 0.36 0.22 0.00 0.13 0.31 0.82 7.17 9.34
70+
Water
table
2
3 0 - 25 7.82 2.44 8.13 6.32 33.74 13.71 8.22 0.00 6.31 8.22 47.46 8.21 10.41
4 25 - 70 7.85 6.80 2.67 11.74 0.69 10.01 9.86 0.00 6.87 17.97 18.46 10.23 12.49
70 +
Water
table
3
5 0 - 20 7.39 2.30 7.67 7.68 1.05 4.11 3.29 0.00 2.46 10.89 2.77 8.14 10.34
6 20 - 45 7.35 0.85 2.83 2.64 0.31 1.46 0.73 0.00 0.73 3.52 0.89 7.47 9.65
7 45 - 80 7.26 1.95 6.50 5.60 0.35 3.68 1.84 0.00 1.10 6.53 3.84 7.98 10.17
80+
Water
table
4
8 0 -30 7.23 0.75 2.50 1.75 0.25 1.08 0.43 0.00 1.89 2.99 0.08 7.43 9.60
9 30 - 75 7.70 1.89 6.30 2.51 0.18 0.99 3.29 0.00 1.00 7.65 6.20 7.95 10.14
10 75 - 120 7.35 5.19 17.30 3.61 0.85 2.21 1.11 0.00 3.46 12.11 24.67 9.49 11.72
120+
Water
table
5
10 00 - 30 8.09 0.62 2.07 1.75 0.25 1.08 0.43 0.00 0.86 1.13 1.52 7.36 9.54
11 30 - 60 8.53 0.98 3.27 2.51 0.18 0.99 3.29 0.00 0.66 1.85 4.46 7.53 9.71
12 60 -120 8.82 1.55 5.17 3.61 0.85 2.21 1.11 0.00 2.21 4.98 0.59 7.80 9.98
120+
Water
table
6
13 0-20 7.20 1.61 5.37 4.17 0.46 2.56 2.84 0.00 0.85 5.69 3.49 7.82 10.01
14 20-40 8.23 1.77 5.90 3.85 1.70 6.64 0.00 0.00 5357 6.08 0.53 7.90 10.09
15 40-85 8.49 1.12 3.73 3.65 0.50 1.12 1.12 0.00 1.36 3.33 1.71 7.60 9.77
16 85-120 8.03 1.52 5.07 5.61 0.56 1.84 1.38 0.00 1.84 5.41 2.14 7.78 9.97
120+
Water
table
7
17 0-25 8.20 1.88 6.40 6.10 1.56 5.82 2.64 0.00 1.50 12.50 3.60 0.00 9.90
18 25-80 8.46 0.65 2.12 4.60 1.20 4.20 2.60 0.00 0.80 10.20 8.24 0.00 9.34
80+
Water
table
155 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021
Table (2) Chemical and physical properties in the studied soil.
Prof.
No.
Samp.
No.
Depth
(Cm)
CaCO3
(%)
Gypsum
(%)
Gravel
(%)
Clay
(%)
Sand
(%)
Silt
(%) Soil texture
1
1 0 - 25 7.66 tr. n.d. 7.14 82.32 10.54 Loamy Sand
2 25 - 70 5.14 tr. n.d. 9.18 82.32 8.50 Loamy Sand
2
3 0 - 25 7.66 tr. n.d. 5.10 79.38 15.52 Sandy Loam
4 25 - 70 20.76 tr. n.d. 30.60 34.30 35.10 Clay Loam
3
5 0 - 20 6.21 tr. n.d. 13.26 63.70 23.04 Sandy Loam
6 20- 45 7.23 tr. n.d. 4.08 87.22 8.70 Fine Sand
7 45 - 80 3.57 1.40 3.00 4.08 90.16 5.76 Fine Sand
4
8 0 - 30
14.47 tr. n.d. 28.56 57.82 13.62
Sandy Clay
Loam
9 30 - 75
18.72 tr. n.d. 25.50 60.76 13.74
Sandy Clay
Loam
10 75 - 120 17.14 tr. n.d. 32.64 37.24 30.12 Clay Loam
5
11 0 - 30 9.02 tr. n.d. 9.18 65.66 25.16 Sandy Loam
12 30 - 60
14.89 tr. n.d. 27.54 58.80 13.66
Sandy Clay
Loam
13 60 - 120
24.25 2.20 n.d. 29.58 54.88 15.54
Sandy Clay
Loam
6
14 0- 20
10.21 tr. n.d. 24.48 61.74 13.78
Sandy Clay
Loam
15 20 – 40
14.64 tr. n.d. 30.60 60.76 8.64
Sandy Clay
Loam
16 40 – 85 12.17 tr. n.d. 33.66 37.24 29.10 Clay Loam
17 85 – 120
13.62 tr. n.d. 24.48 58.80 16.72
Sandy Clay
Loam
7
18 0- 25 6.58 tr. n.d. 7.24 80.12 12.64 Loamy Sand
19 25 - 85 5.61 tr. n.d. 9.02 82.32 8.66 Loamy Sand
The majority of samples have CaCO3 a percentage higher than 10,
which indicates that these soils are belongs to calcareous soils. The
percentages of gypsum were almost traces in all layer except for the third
layer of soil profile number 3 and 5, in which gypsum percentages were
found to be 1.40% and 2.20%, respectively. The gravel percentages did not
detect in all layer of the studied soil profiles except for the third layer of soil
profile number 3. The clay percentages were varied among the lowest value
detected in the second and third layer of soil profile number 3 to be 4.08 %,
whereas the highest value was observed in the third layer of soil profile
number 6 to be 33.66%. The sand percentages were varied among the lowest
value detected in the second layer of soil profile number 2 to be 34.30 %,
whereas the highest value was observed in the second layer of soil profile
number 3 to be 87.22%. The silt percentages were varied among the lowest
value detected in the third layer of soil profile number 3 to be 5.76 %,
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021 156
whereas the highest value was observed in the second layer of soil profile
number 2 to be 35.10%.
Data listed in Table (3) shows the total percentages of organic carbon,
organic matter, available P, and available K in the surface layer of the
studied soil profiles. The organic carbon percentages were varied between
0.21% and 0.67% in soil profiles number 5 and 2, respectively. The organic
matter percentages were varied between 0.36% and 0.65% in soil profiles
number 4 and (6 and 7), respectively. The total N percentages were varied
between 0.02% and 0.06% in soil profiles number (3, 4, and 5) and soil
profile number 2, respectively. The total percentages of available P were
varied between 5.74 mgkg-1 and 18.16 mgkg-1 in soil profiles number (6
and 7) and soil profile number 5, respectively. The total percentages of
available K were varied between 233.60 ppm and 384.20 ppm in soil
profiles number (6 and 7) and soil profile number 3, respectively.
Several categories of soil texture were found in the studied soil
profiles including loamy sand (soil profile numbers 1 and 2), sandy loam
(surface layer of oil profiles numbers 2, 3, and 5), clay loam (second layer
of soil profile number 2, deep layer of soil profile number 4, and third layer
of soil profile number 6), fine sand (second and third layers of soil profile
number 3) , and sandy clay loam (first and second layer of soil profiles
numbers 4 and 6, second and third layers of soil profile number 5, and the
deep layer of soil profile number 6).
Table (3) Analytical data of the studied soil profiles representing
fertility.
Prof.
No.
Depth
(Cm)
O.C
(%)
OM
(%)
Total N
(%)
(Available - P
Mgkg-1
(Available - K
Mgkg-1
1 0 - 25 0.63 1.08 0.05 7.56 315.80
2 0 - 25 0.67 1.15 0.06 7.86 384.20
3 0 - 20 0.25 0.43 0.02 6.02 235.00
4 0 - 30 0.21 0.36 0.02 7.50 301.50
5 0 - 30 0.25 0.43 0.02 8.16 375.20
6 0- 20 0.38 0.65 0.03 5.74 233.60
7 0- 25 0.38 0.65 0.03 5.74 233.60
3.2 .Water irrigation characteristics
Other important data relevant to water quality in the irrigated water,
drainage water, and water table are presented in Table (4). In the soil
profile number 1 the irrigated water pH was 6.9 which was almost
neutral. On the other hand, the drainage water pH was 7.7, whereas the
water table pH was 7.64. The electrical conductivity values for irrigated
water, drainage water, and water table were 704, 31100, and 1870 μS m-
1, respectively. The pH values of the irrigated water, drainage water, and
water table were 7.2, 7.41 and 7.5, respectively, on the other hand, the
157 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021
electrical conductivity values were 8.8, 2008, and 27400 μS m-1. In the
profile number 3 the pH values of the irrigated water, drainage water, and
water table were 7.2, 7.41 and 7.26, respectively, whereas, the electrical
conductivity values were 8.8, 9120, and 7020 μS m-1. The pH of irrigated
water, drainage water, and water table for studied soil profile number 4
were 7.56, 7.34, and 7.6, respectively, whereas the electrical conductivity
values were 770, 24400, and 1780 μS m-1. The pH of irrigated water,
drainage water, and water table for studied soil profile number 5 were
7.3, 7.42, and 7.41, respectively, whereas the electrical conductivity
values were 988, 5213, and 6200 μS m-1. The pH of irrigated water,
drainage water, and water table for studied soil profile number 6 were
7.2, 7.4, and 7.5, respectively, whereas the electrical conductivity values
were 900, 3600, and 5500 μS m-1. Finally, the pH of irrigated water,
drainage water, and water table for studied soil profile number 7 were
7.2, 7.25, and 7.34, respectively, whereas the electrical conductivity
values were 109, 740, and 6400 μS m-1.
Table 4. Analytical data of the water samples representing studied
area
Prof.
No.
Depth
(Cm) Water Type pH EC (micro S)
1 0 - 25 Irrigation Water 6.90 704
Drainage 7.70 31100
water table 7.64 1870
2 0 - 25 Irrigation Water 7.20 808
Drainage 7.41 2008
water table 7.50 27400
3 0 - 20 Irrigation Water 7.20 808
Drainage 7.41 9120
water table 7.26 7020
4 0 - 30 Irrigation Water 7.56 770
Drainage 7.34 24400
Water table 7.60 1780
5 0 - 30 Irrigation Water 7.30 988
Drainage 7.42 5213
Water table 7.41 6200
6 0- 20 Irrigation Water 7.20 900
Drainage 7.40 3600
water table 7.50 5500
7 0- 25 Irrigation Water 7.20 709
Drainage 7.25 740
water table 7.34 6400
3.3. Soil mapping units
Based on the specific soil attributes, soil depth and texture of the
studied soil profiles, the morphological, and physical and chemical
properties of each soil mapping unit are given in the following
subsections:
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021 158
3.3.1. Moderately deep coarse textured soils.
The soils in this mapping unit represented by soil profile numbers (1 ,
3 and 7), the common features of this soil mapping unit are moderately deep
(moderately calcium carbonate contents (3.57 to 7.23 %) and well to poor
drained. Soil reaction is slightly alkaline to strongly alkaline, as indicated by
pH values which ranged between (7.4 to 8.5). Electrical conductivity values
ranged between 0.71 and 7.67 dS m-1, indicating non saline to moderately
saline soils, the highest values are mostly detected in the surface soils and
increased throughout the entire soil depth.
Table (5) Total heavy metals content in profiles in this mapping unit
Prof.
No.
Depth
(Cm)
Fe Cu Zn Ni Pb Co Cr Cd
mg/kg
1 0 - 25 1661.60 40.20 85.60 25.30 20.80 16.91 31.49 0.88
3 0 - 20 1277.20 30.30 60.12 19.40 15.50 1.80 25.33 0.66
7 0- 25 1751.14 38.20 84.2.60 26.30 22.80 16.00 28.25 0.46
P.M.limits(mg/kg) 100.0 300.0 100.0 100.0 50.0 100.0 5.0
The Maximum permissible concentrations of heavy metals in
agricultural soils reported by (Kabata-Pendias and Pendias 2001) are in
mgkg-1: Cd (cadmium) 5, Co (cobalt) 50, Cr (chromium)
100, Cu (copper) 100 , Ni (nickel) 100 , Pb (lead) 100, and Zn (zinc)
300 .
According to the permissible limits data in table (5), the soil in
this mapping unit is free in contamination by heavy metals under
study.
3.3.2.Moderately deep and moderately coarse textured soils
The soils in this mapping unit represented by soil profile number (2).
The landscape has an almost flat to nearly level sloping plain surface.
The common features of this soil mapping unit are moderately deep (70
cm), soil texture throughout the entire depth is sandy loam to clay loam.
Calcium carbonate contents are moderately to extremely calcareous (7.66
to 20.76 %). Soil reaction mostly was slightly alkaline. Electrical
conductivity values of the soils varied from 8.13 to 22.67dS m-1,
indicating free to strongly saline to extremely saline soils. The lowest EC
values are mostly detected in the surface layer and increased with depth.
Table (6) Total heavy metals content in profile in this mapping unit .
Prof.
No.
Depth
(Cm)
Fe Cu Zn Ni Pb Co Cr Cd
mg/kg
2 0 - 25 1445.60 30.30 60.12 19.40 15.50 1.80 25.33 0.66
P.M.limits(mg/kg) 100.0 300.0 100.0 100.0 50.0 100.0 5.0
159 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021
Data in table (6) also the soil in this mapping unit is free in
contamination by heavy metals under study.
3.3.3.Deep and moderately to fine textured soils
The common features of this soil mapping unit are depth (120 cm),
soil texture throughout the entire depth is sandy loam, sandy clay loam to
clay loam in the deeper layers. The soils in this mapping unit represented
by soil profile numbrs (4, 5 and 6). Calcium carbonate contents are
moderate to extremely calcareous (9.02 to 24.25 %), soil reaction is
slightly alkaline to strongly alkaline, as indicated by pH values which
ranged from 7.2 to 8.82. Soil salinity was slight to moderately saline as
indicated by the EC, which ranged from 2.07 to 5.9 dSm-1.
Table (7) Total heavy metals content in profiles in this mapping unit
Prof.
No.
Depth
(Cm)
Fe Cu Zn Ni Pb Co Cr Cd
mg/kg
4 0-30 1391.60 49.32 53.50 15.40 9.60 15.13 22.11 0.42
5 0-30 1752.12 32.88 42.80 14.30 12.80 35.60 19.43 0.52
6 0-20 1661.82 41.10 84.60 24.60 19.90 17.02 30.18 0.56
P.M.limits(mg/kg) 100.0 300.0 100.0 100.0 50.0 100.0 5.0
Data in table (7 ) the heavy metal content below the permissible
limits. So this soil in this mapping unit is free contamination.
3.3.4.Heavy metals concentrations in the surface layers of the studied
soil profiles
Data listed in Table (8) shows the available and total concentrations
of some heavy metal existed in the surface layers of the studied soil
profiles. The studied heavy metals were Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn that
represented the available forms of heavy metals, whereas the total
content of heavy metals were carried out for the following elements Fe,
Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Co, Cr, and Cd. The highest values of Fe were detected in
the surface layers of soil profile number 2 and 5 to be 10.08 and 10.48
mg kg-1, respectively, whereas the lower values of available Fe were
detected in the surface layer of soil profiles numbers 6 and 7,
respectively. Generally, the concentrations of available Cu were less than
1 mg kg-1, and the detected values were among 0.18 to 0.23 mg kg-1. The
same tendency that was observed with the available concentrations of Cu
was also observed with the available concentrations of Zn in which the
concentrations values were ranged among 0.41 to 0.65 mg kg-1.
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021 160
Table (8): Total heavy metals content in the surface layers of the
studied soil profiles
Prof.
No.
Depth
(Cm)
Fe Cu Zn Ni Pb Co Cr Cd
mg/kg
1 0-25 1661.60 40.20 85.60 25.30 20.80 16.91 31.49 0.88
2 0-25 1445.60 30.30 60.12 19.40 15.50 1.80 25.33 0.66
3 0-20 1277.20 32.88 77.04 24.20 9.60 26.70 28.81
4 0-30 1391.60 49.32 53.50 15.40 9.60 15.13 22.11 0.42
5 0-30 1752.12 32.88 42.80 14.30 12.80 35.60 19.43 0.52
6 0-20 1661.82 41.10 84.60 24.60 19.90 17.02 30.18 0.56
7 0-25 1751.14 38.20 84.2.60 26.30 22.80 16.00 28.25 0.46
P.M.limits(mg/kg) 100.0 300.0 100.0 100.0 50.0 100.0 5.0
Data in table (9 ) the concentrations of available Mn were higher than
1 mg kg-1 that existed among the lower and higher concentrations of
available Cu and Zn, and Fe, respectively. The lowest values of Mn were
obtained in the surface layer of soil profiles numbers 6 and 7, respectively to
be 1.88 mg kg-1, whereas the highest values were obtained with soil profile
number 1 to be 2.59 mg kg-1. Regarding, the total concentrations of heavy
metal data presented in Table 5 shows that the total concentrations of Fe
were ranged among 1752.12 mg kg-1 in the surface layer of soil profile
number 5 and 16616 mg kg-1 in the surface layers of soil profiles number 1,
6, and 7, respectively. On the other hand, the total concentrations of Cu in
the studied soil profiles were among 32.88 mg kg-1 in the surface layer of
soil profile numbers 3 and 5, respectively and 49.32 mg kg-1 in the surface
layer of soil profile number 4. The total concentrations of Zn was among
42.80 mg kg-1 and 77.04 mg kg-1 in the surface layer of soil profiles number
5 and 3, respectively. The total concentrations of Ni were among 14.30 mg
kg-1 and 25.30 mg kg-1 in the surface layer of soil profiles numbers 5 and
(1,6, and 7), respectively. The total concentrations of Pb were among 9.60
mg kg-1 and 20.80 mg kg-1 in the surface layer of soil profiles number (3 and
4) and (1,6, and 7), respectively. The total concentrations of Co were among
15.13 mg kg-1 and 35.60 mg kg-1 in the surface layer of soil profiles numbers
4 and 5, respectively. The total concentrations of Cr were among 19.43 mg
kg-1 and 31.49 mg kg-1 in the surface layer of soil profiles numbers 5 and
(1,6, and 7), respectively. The total concentrations of Cd were lower than 1
mg kg-1 and ranged among 0.15 mg kg-1 and 0.88 mg kg-1 in the surface
layer of soil profiles numbers 3 and (1,6, and 7), respectively.
Table (9) chemical extractable (Mgkg-1 )in the studied soils.
Prof.
No.
Depth
(Cm)
Fe
Cu
Zn
Mn
1 0-25 8.70 0.19 0.51 2.59
2 0-25 10.08 0.19 0.43 1.70
3 0-20 8.62 0.19 0.41 1.61
4 0-30 9.30 0.23 0.47 1.06
5 0-30 10.48 0.22 0.45 1.01
6 0-20 8.15 0.18 0.65 1.88
7 0-25 8.24 0.24 0.56 1.78
161 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021
3.4.5. Currently land classification (capability and suitability for crops)
General land capability (Cervatana model)
Applying the Land Capability Model known as (CERVATANA),
concerning the weighted mean of soil properties of soil profile represented are
under study, Table 6 reveals that, these soils could be pleased into the following
orders and classes: Moderately suitable S3: these soils are characterized by deep
and moderately deep soils, coarse to moderate fine textured soils throughout the
effective root zone depth, and have slight saline to strongly saline content. The
soils of this class could be distinguished into (S3I and S3Ir) sub classes0. These
soils are characterized by moderate severe to severe limitations in their soil
factors (l) or/ erosion risk factors (r).
Agricultural soil suitability: (Almagra model)
The soil suitability ALMAGRA model is based on analysis of edaphic
factors which affect the productivity of perennial, annual and semiannual crops.
Land suitability evaluation of the studied area was performed. Useful depth,
texture, drainage, carbonate, salinity, sodium saturation and profile development
were selected as limitation factors for crop's development. Twelve crops (annual
and semi-annual / perennial crops, table 10) were selected and evaluated
according to their requirements with the land characteristics of the mapping
units. For semi-annual / perennial crops, the main limitation factor for suitability
classes are soil texture, calcium carbonate, drainage, soil depth and some soils
have very severe limitation in salinity. However, the main limitation factors for
annual crops suitability classes are soil texture (t), calcium carbonate (c), soil
salinity (s) and alkalinity (a).
Table (10). General land capability classification of some plants.
(Land capability and suitability for crops using
MicroLEIS DSS system).
Profile
No.
General
land
Capability
classification
Wheat Maize Melon Potatoe Soybean Cotton Sunflower
Sugar
beet
Alfalfa Peach Citrus Olive
Profile
1
S3I S3td S3t S3t S3t S3td S3t S3t S3td S3td S4d S4d S4d
Profile
2
S3I S4d S3tda S3ptd S3td S4d S3ptd S3ptd S4d S4d S5d S5d S5d
Profile
3
S3I S4td S4t S4t S4t S4td S4t S4t S4td S4td S5d S5d S5d
Profile
4
S3Ir S3d S3a S2dcs S2dcs S3d S2dc S2tds S3d S3d S4d S4d S4d
Profile
5
S3Ir S3d S3a S2dcs S2dcs S3d S2dc S2tds S3d S3d S4d S4d S4d
Profile
6
S3Ir S3d S3a S2tdc S2tdc S3d S2tdc S2dsa S3d S3d S4d S4d S4d
Profile
7
S3Ir S3d S3a S2tdc S2tdc S3d S2tdc S2dsa S3d S3d S4d S4d S4d
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021 162
Accordingly, the soils of the studied area associated with the type of the
mapping units are classified into four classes of land suitability as follows:
Suitable (S2): In the area under study, soils of this class cover a small
area for annual crops, including water melon, potato, cotton and
sunflower as it presented in Table 6. These soils were represented by
deep to moderately deep soils and moderately fine textured soils.
Moderately suitable (S3): These are good soils with few limitations
such as; coarse texture, soil depth, drainage, and high salinity. In the area
under study, soils of this class covered an area for annual and semiannual/
perennial crops, such as wheat, maize, watermelon, potato, cotton,
soybean, sunflower, sugar beet, and alfalfa.
Marginally suitable (S4): Soils that are belonging to this class are those
of moderately deep coarse textured soils, deep moderately coarse
textured soils and deep coarse textured soils. The soils are marginally
suitable for annual crops and semi-annual/perennial crops as it shown in
Table 6.
Not suitable (S5): The lands that are belonging to this class is devoid of
any current potentialities that allow agriculture use. These soils were
represented by moderately deep coarse textured soils (70 cm).
Potential land capability and suitability
Currently land capability and land suitability for crops using
CERVATANA and ALMAGRA MecroLIES are not suitable soils
including highly saline content and drainage. Once the land unit data have
been entered, ALMAGRA gives an on-screen evaluation based on the
criterion of the maximum limitation and verification of the degree of a single
variable is sufficient to classify the soil in the corresponding category. The
most limiting chemical factor being considered is soil salinity which can be
removed by reclaiming these soils through leaching, especially as the good
quality irrigation water is available and applied management programs,
which can decrease the salinity. The suitability classes will be identified
with attention to the land characteristics. From results, the most soil profiles
repressive were coarse to medium fine texture soils. So that, after leaching
of salt with well drainage system, potential land capability for different soil
profiles which have highly saline were moderate (S3) could be change to
highly suitable (S1) and suitable (S2). On the other hand, current land
suitability for the most irrigated crops in the study area, which has highly
saline and water table after 70 cm, were not suitable (S5) and marginally
suitable (S4) for mostly crops. Potential land suitability for the same soil
profiles after leaching of salt was moderate (S3) to suitable (S2).
Correlation between heavy metals concentrations in the surface layer
and soil chemical properties
Data presented in Table (11) shows the correlation between the
available and total concentrations of heavy metals in the surface layer and its
163 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (5-6) 2021
correlation to soil chemical properties. It was noticed that all chemical
properties were correlated positively with the available concentrations of Fe
except for electrical conductivity values in either 1:2.5 extract or soil past
extract, the concentrations of Na, the concentrations of Cl, SAR values, and
ESP values. The order of correlation was found to take the following<br
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