EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL AND MINERALOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL ON BEHAVIOR OF SOME NUTRITIONAL ELEMENTS

Abstract

The present study was performed to assess the role of soil variables in controlling Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu status in Ferhash and El­ Nobaryia soils. Seven soil profiles and seventeen surface samples representing most of the variations in the studied soils were chosen for study.

The inter relationships between total and available percentages of the inicronutrients and each of the chemical, physical and mineralogical properties were investigated. The levels of each nutrient in soil were compared with the critical levels and sufficiency ranges reported by several investigators.

The results obtained in the present work are summarized in the followings : . Soils of Fer hash

Particle size distribution revealed that the soils of Ferhash area consists of loamy sand (53 %), sandy clay loam (41 %) and sandy loam (6%).

Total calcium carbonate content is quite variable along the studied locations of soils of Ferhash and generally ranges from 8.4% to 17.6 %, indicating slightly to moderately calcareaus soils.

Organic matter content is very low, mostly around 1.4 % of the soil components. The low content of organic matter is a common feature ill the arid regions due to te high oxidation pontential sustained arid climatic conditions.