Land evaluation and suitability of Hala’ib and Shalateen region, Egypt, by integrated use of GIS and remote sensing techniques.
Annals of Agric. Sci., Moshtohor • 2017
Publication Information
Authors
O. Hassan1, Ali A. Abdel Salam2, Heba S. A. Rashed2 and Abdallah M. Faid1
Keywords
Land capability, Land suitability, Remote sensing, GIS, Hala’ib and Shalateen region.
Journal
Annals of Agric. Sci., Moshtohor
Publisher
Farag O. Hassan1
Volume
55
Issue
1
Pages
151-162
publication.type
Local
Paper Link
Not Available
Supplementary Materials
Not Available
Abstract
Land suitability and capability evaluation was done by integrating remote sensing and GIS techniques for
Hala’ib and Shalateen region which are located south east of the eastern desert of Egypt. The regions are of high
priority for development. Ten soil profiles were taken to represent the main geomorphic units in the study area.
Topographic maps, field work observations and digital elevation model (DEM) were used to generate the
geomorphologic map.Eight main geomorphologic units were identified i.e wadis, 2- alluvial fans and deltas, 3-
alluvial plains, 4- sand sheets, 5- sand dunes, 6- alkali flats (sabkhas), 7- plains with rock outcrops and 8- high
rocky lands. Land capability evaluation was performed using Micro-LEIS-Cervatana capability model.
Percentages of land capability were as follows 8.50% “good of use” , 24.72% “moderate use”, 9.14% “marginal
or non-productive”; 57.7% “rocky and erosion-risk”. The main capability limitations are soil erosion risks and
rockiness. The Micro-LEIS-Almagra model was used to produce the optimum cropping pattern and limitations
of soil units. Land suitability using the Micro-LEIS-Almagra program showed suitability for wheat, potato,
maize and sugar beet (as annuals); alfalfa (as semi-annuals), peach, citrus fruits and olive (as perennials). Main
limitations include salinity, sodicity, shallowness, rockness and inadequate drainage and
Hala’ib and Shalateen region which are located south east of the eastern desert of Egypt. The regions are of high
priority for development. Ten soil profiles were taken to represent the main geomorphic units in the study area.
Topographic maps, field work observations and digital elevation model (DEM) were used to generate the
geomorphologic map.Eight main geomorphologic units were identified i.e wadis, 2- alluvial fans and deltas, 3-
alluvial plains, 4- sand sheets, 5- sand dunes, 6- alkali flats (sabkhas), 7- plains with rock outcrops and 8- high
rocky lands. Land capability evaluation was performed using Micro-LEIS-Cervatana capability model.
Percentages of land capability were as follows 8.50% “good of use” , 24.72% “moderate use”, 9.14% “marginal
or non-productive”; 57.7% “rocky and erosion-risk”. The main capability limitations are soil erosion risks and
rockiness. The Micro-LEIS-Almagra model was used to produce the optimum cropping pattern and limitations
of soil units. Land suitability using the Micro-LEIS-Almagra program showed suitability for wheat, potato,
maize and sugar beet (as annuals); alfalfa (as semi-annuals), peach, citrus fruits and olive (as perennials). Main
limitations include salinity, sodicity, shallowness, rockness and inadequate drainage and
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