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Terrain classification and selected soil properties of part of al. Zubair desert, southern Iraq

Terrain classification and selected soil properties of part of al. Zubair desert, southern Iraq Thumbnail


Abstract

Background information, including aerial photographs, and field sampling are used to produce a terrain classification for part of al. Zubair desert, southern Iraq. Published methodologies are found to be not entirely suitable and modifications of these are introduced for this study to take account of the nature of the study area and limitations imposed upon one field scientist working alone.
Fieldwork included more detailed soil sampling than would be normal in such a survey. These soil samples were analysed in the laboratory for particle size, shape and surface texture, organic matter content, pH, CaCO3 content, clay minerals and soluble salt determinations. How far variations in these soil properties can be related to terrain facets is assessed. Available data were sufficient for only limited statistical analysis but it is determined that reliable predictions of soil texture, organic matter, pH, CaCO^ and soluble salts, should be possible from the terrain type map whereas variations in clay mineral types are shown to be not significantly related to facets/systems. For the former group of soil properties maps of their distributions are drawn.
Examination of similar terrain classifications carried out in neighbouring countries identifies common problems and significant terrain properties (especially those of soil and slope) that are used to define terrain suitability classes for various land uses. Following the example of these studies, terrain suitability maps for agriculture and grazing are drawn for the study area. Comparison with the existing government plan shows no great disparity.
Finally an assessment of the study is made and principal shortcomings are identified. Both the absence of suitable data to produce a geomorphological map and the limited depth of the soil sampling are indicated as major restrictions on the use of the study for engineering suitability assessment of the terrain types.

Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024

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