Assessing degradation of floodplain soils in north east Nile Delta, Egypt

Abstract

EVALUATING degradation of fertile soils is the key factor to attain sustainable crop production. An assessment of human-induced soil degradation as well as degradation risk was executed in an area in the north part of Nile Delta. Eight soil profiles were dug and samples were collected. The soils are affected by slight salinity and sodicity hazards. Slight to moderate compaction and moderate waterlogging hazards were noted. The GIS spatial model showed that 47.8% of the soils are affected by slight degradation hazards, while the remaining 52.2% are affected by strong (26.1%) and moderate (26.1%) hazards. Excessive irrigation, the lake of conservation measures, improper use of heavy machinery and inadequate drainage are main anthropogenic cause factors for soil degradation. The rate of soil degradation during the last four decades was none to slight since little changes in EC, ESP, bulk density and water table depth were shown. The area is affected by low chemical degradation risks, while the physical risks are very high. Achieving sustainable land use in the area requires proper management practices.