PEDOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE SOILS OF SOUTH PORT SAID REGION

Abstract

Pedological studies are considered one of the important steps for both horizontal and vertical expansions under the rapidly increasing population in Egypt. The studied area has an important situation, where it occupies a position between the eastern edge of El-Sharkia governorate, north Ismaillia, south Port Said and west of Suez Canal. Two main irrigation sources, i.e., lsmaillia and El-Salam canals pass through it, in addition to a good net of main roads and all kinds of means of communication for inside and outside of Egypt. So, the current study aims to identify the pedological characteristics of soils developed on the physiographic units, which predominate _the area under study. Such pedological studies represented the guidelines to delineate the main problems, which face the reclamation and utilization processes. This study takes into consideration land suitability of certain crops for each unit as current and potential suitability, evaluation of irrigation water, water requirement for removal the accumulated salts, leaching requirement and fmally the consumptive use for more suitable crops, which is affected with climate conditions.