The main aim of this study was to assess and mapping of land cover (LC) / land use (LU), using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques in Elnor natural forest reserve, Blue Nile state, Sudan. The study also attempted to update some information in the study area such as LC and contour map by using different methods of data transformation and analysis such as Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI), interpolation and supervised classification. Thematic Mapper (TM), Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) and Landsat8 images were used in LCLU changes and supported by field observation. The study area was affected by cutting the mother trees and overgrazing. Closed forests during 2000, 2010 and 2019 decreased from 36.9%, 28.5% and 18.7% respectively. Moreover, the total area of bare soil increased by about 14.4%, 47.2% and 39.7% in 2000, 2010 and 2019 respectively. The open forest (grassland) decreased from 48.7% in (2000) to 41.7% in (2019). A Digital land cover map was produced using LCCS software; depending on the fieldwork data, they were found in four Classes. Mixed Woodland Single Layer, Semi-Deciduous Shrub land with Open Herbaceous, Open Grassland, Single XII Layer and Hardpans. The study revealed that there are some indicators of land degradation during the last 20 years (2000, 2010 and 2019) and is expected to continue increasing unless serious measures are carried out to reduce it.
The main objective of this research is to provide current information about the growth and general status of Abugadaf natural forest reserve in Blue Nile State, Sudan, and to identify the possible agents and factors that contributed to the current forest status whether positive or negative. The secondary objective of the study is assess and demonstrate the capabilities of RS and GIS analytical tools in addressing the issue of monitoring and assessing natural forest areas in Sudan. Four satellite images covering the period1990, 2000, 2010 and 2018 were selected from cloud-free Land-Sat (TM, ETM and Land-Sat 8) covering the study area. All images were false color composite (FCC). Images 1990 and 2000 were thematic mapper (TM), while Image 2010 was enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM), and image 2018 was Land-sat 8. Land-sat 8 was used as a base to assess the change detection, and GPS data used to extracts topographic information in the study areaThe tentative locations of the Land cover and land use sites were selected using image analysis aided by actual ground surveying. GPS (Garmin 62C) was used to navigate among check samples and to record the coordinates (X, Y and Z values) of all samples. The total number of samples covering the study area were 144 (800 x 400 m). The recorded data in each sample include tree species, regeneration, grass type, tree stumps, dead trees, density of survival trees, diameter at breast height, and total tree height. All training sites were utilized in the generation of signatures required for supervised maximum likelihood classification. Supervised maximum likelihood classifier used the Gaussian threshold stored in each class signature to determine if a given pixel fell within class or not. The study with the help of remote sensing facilities has succeeded to highlight the condition and development of the study area during the period 1990 – 2018. The study concluded that although there were some fluctuations in the amount of annual rainfall in the area, there are no enough evidences to support their direct effect on the growth of vegetation cover. The study also indicated that the availability of other vegetation cover, such as grasses, in the forest can reduce the pressure on mature forest tress and seedlings caused by domestic animal herders. In the last decade of the study period, the decrease of forest cover is mostly associated with decrease or absence of vegetation cover as in that case forest trees and young seedlings become the main source of animal feeding. If other forest destruction agents are added due to the absence of management control, the present forest will disappear within the coming five years.
This study was conducted in the Wahat Elnukhila area, about 600 km northeast of El-fashier town, northern Darfur State, to produce broad–base data on the geographical distribution of soils, characterization of soils using some soil indicators (ECe, pH and SAR), explore the natural land cover and evaluate the soil suitability for agricultural activities in the study area. The study area covers (20000 feddans). This research was based on the data and information extracted from the soil survey, remote sensed landsat, Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) images dated 2018, in addition to field observation aided by GPS receivers and geographic information system were used to generate soil map in the study area. By using the American soil classification system (FAO, 1990 and 2006) study area may be classified into three units, the total area of the three units and natural vegetation cover decreased in the following order: unit1 (12734 feddans) > unit 2 (3994 feddans) > unit 3 (3272 feddans), green covers as a result of the availability of quantities of ground and surface water, which distinguishes it from the rest of the surrounding desert lands. The predominant vegetation cover is Imperata cylindrica (halfa), Tamarix (Tarfa), phragmites (communist)“ Alboes”, Citrullus Colocynthis (Hanzal), Ischaemum muticum and p. dactylifera (date palm). Regarding soil texture, drainage, soil depth, and fertility status for units 1, unit 2, and unit 3, can be described as follows: sandy to loamy sand, well-drained, shallow and low fertile, coarse texture to moderate, moderately drained, shallow to moderate and low fertile, gravelly surface, moderatly drained, shallow to moderate and very low fertile respectively. Soil analysis reveled that there was high inherent risk of soil salinity and sodicity, especially unit 1. In general, the result showed that there were clear aspects of wind erosion represented as large areas affected by the sand encroachment form of crescent dunes and rocks interspersed with hills and plateaus. Furthermore, soils of the targeted area were formed from the accumulation of creeping and portable aeolian sands. The research site lies in the southeastern part of the border triangle between Sudan, Egypt, Libya and Chad, which is severely affected by wind erosion because the site was bare, open with no wind barriers or shelter belts, also this area falls under the sand moving winds of the Sahara. These are the northerly winds that prevail in Northern Darfur State. Furthermore, the prevalent climatic conditions including high temperature, rainless area and relatively high wind speed are conducive to high wind erosion. The area in danger unless serious measures carried out to reduce wind erosion. The area has very low potential suitability for agriculture. The study area was rich in wild life such as deer, rabbits, birds, many insects and snakes.
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