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In arid regions, such as Kuwait, land degradation is exacerbated by the scarcity of rainfall and intensive wind and water erosion. In Kuwait seven land degradation indicators were recognized and described. These are: soil erosion by wind and/or water; deterioration of vegetation cover; soil crusting and sealing; soil compaction; soil contamination by oil; and soil salinization. Four areas in Kuwait, namely Al Mutlaa, Ras Al-Sabiyah, Sulaibiyah and Ahmadi-Al-Dahr, were studied to assess the extent and magnitude of land degradation. Remote sensing images and the following parameters were investigated in each area: vegetation cover; soil bulk density; infiltration capacity; and top soil resistance. The areas showed significant variations in vegetation cover, and increase in erosion by wind and water and soil compaction. Based on the percentage of vegetation cover and the physical properties of the soil, three classes of land degradation are identified. These classes are: severe; moderate; and slight. Overgrazing was shown as a main cause of land degradation, followed by military operations, quarrying and camping.

Measurements of gaseous SO 2 , NO, NO 2 , H 2 S, O 3 , NH 3 and VOCs, in Kuwait city using IVL passive sampler technology, were obtained on monthly basis during the period from March 2011 to February 2012 at 10 locations. The results of this study reveal that those compounds had low concentrations compared to Kuwait Environment Public Authority standards for residential areas. It is found that nitrogen oxides, benzene and xylene were mostly emitted from motor vehicles; in contrast, industrial sources including oil industries were a major contributor to sulfur dioxide and toluene pollution. Higher concentrations of NOx and SO 2 were recorded during winter season where the inversion layer is quite pronounced thus trapping more pollutants in ambient air, while higher O 3 values were recorded in summer period; the hot season in Kuwait. The spatial distributions of the measured gaseous air pollutants were extremely consistent with the influence of the prevailing wind direction NW. In general and except for PM 10 , the yearly average air quality indices (AQI) of SO 2 , NO 2 , CO and O 3 concentrations are coming under the category of "good" and "moderate".

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Soil degradation and vegetation deterioration in contrasting areas (open desert versus protected desert) in the northeastern part of Kuwait were investigated, using field measurements, and laboratory methodologies. The average infiltration rate of compacted soils studied was found to be 52 per cent lower than that of the undisturbed soils we investigated. The bulk density of the compacted soils was 19 per cent higher than that of the non‐compacted soils. The average topsoil resistance of severely compacted soils was 13 per cent greater than that of undisturbed soils and is mainly due to overgrazing, and off‐road vehicle use. We found that the overall vegetation cover status of open areas investigated was approximately 70 per cent less than for the protected areas studied. As a consequence of soil compaction and vegetation deterioration, sand deflation processes, and sand movement prevail in open areas. The total average percentages of course grain sizes in unprotected soils and heavily disturbed soils by vehicles (off‐road) are 51 and 103 per cent greater, respectively. The annual rate of sand transport during the last 20 years, from the prevailing wind direction (NW) in the area has increased by 81 per cent. The delicate balance between soil and natural vegetation cover is easily disturbed by off‐road vehicle use associated with overgrazing and recreation activity. A restoration plan is needed in order to reduce land degradation and to allow natural vegetation recovery. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The rate of dust fallout was monitored during a period from August 2009 to July 2011 in protected (closed) and non-protected/open (unenclosed) areas in the northern desert of Kuwait. The dust fallout rates on degraded and protected sites were on average 18.8 and 44.1 g•m −2 •month −1 , respectively. Higher rate of dust fallout in protected area may be attributed to biologic factors that are responsible for relative abundance of fine-grained sediment accumulations (Mostly silty sand). Wind deflation of fine grained sediment fractions and development of coarse-grained surface lag deposits in degraded area may be accountable for the reduction of its potentiality for suspended dust. The study indicates the importance of the vegetation cover in regulating sediment availability for atmospheric dust emission.

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