Land Evaluation of East Qattara Depression, Egypt using Remote Sensing and GIS

Abstract

Availability of sufficient and accurate spatial data concerning land resources is a pillar for sustainable agricultural development. The current work was aimed at using remote sensing (RS) and geostatistical analysis tools within geographic information system (GIS) to map land capability and crop suitability for an area in the Qattara Depressing, Western Desert of Egypt, located east of the Qattara Depression between latitude 30° 10' 4" to 30° 20' 57" N and longitude 28° 32' 26" to 28° 52' 10" E, covering 630 km 2 (63000 ha). Thirty-seven soil profiles were dug to 150 cm. Soil samples were collected from different horizons and analyzed for their main properties. Applied System for Land Evaluation (ASLE) software was used to assess land capability and land suitability. Landforms include sand sheets, sand dunes, depressions, sabkha and water bodies. The 74.69% of the soils are"poor" (C4), 0.47% are"good" (C2), 11.68% are"fair" (C3), 11.12% are"very poor" (C5), and 0.47% are"non-agricultural" (C6). Soil texture, salinity and alkalinity are the main limiting factors. Classes for suitability (considering 22 crops) are highly suitable (S1), suitable (S2), moderately suitable (S3), marginally suitable (S4), currently not-suitable (N1), and potentially not-suitable (N2) for 22 crops. The most recommended crops are date palm and tomatoes. The studied soils require precise management practices to be promising for agricultural expansion.

Design and Development of an Engine Driven Onion Grading Machine

“…Human operations can be ineffi cient, inconsistent, and time-consuming. Farmers are hoping for suitable agricultural product grading equipment to help ease labour shortages, save time, and improve the quality of graded products (Mostafa, 2004). https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajfst Am.…”