SOIL SURVEY AND SOIL CLASSIFICATION OF SOME VALLEYS IN SINAI USING AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Abstract

This study aims to identify the soil characteristics of Wadi Sudr and Wadi Wardan area in the south western part of Sinai for the soil classification and land evaluation purposes. This will be helpful in the planning for agricultural development. An analysis of landsat TM image covers this area resulted in recognition of the following physiographic units : mountains, hills, and escarpments of sedimentary rocks, old and young alluvial terraces, upper and lower alluvial deltaic plain, playa, sabkhas, oolitic sand dlmes and coastal sand beach. Fifteen soil profiles were morphologically described, and fifty three soil samples were collected for physical and chemical analyses. Diagnostic horizons such as salic and gypsic horizons were identified for achieving the soil classification according to Soil Taxonomy System. Land suitability for irrigated agriculture was based on the Sys and

Verheye and FAO systems.