Pedogenic and Spatial Distribution of Gypsum Content in Soil Series units in Al-Dur District in Salah Al-Din Governorate

Abstract

Abstract In order to diagnose the extent of development of some gypsum soils and their suitability for agricultural production, prepare maps of the spatial distribution of gypsum, and thus prepare a digital spatial database that fulfills the requirements for successful management of agricultural lands, five gypsum chain units were selected in the city of Al-Dur in Salah al-Din Governorate, and 5 soil beds were dug and models were taken from each horizon representative of the soil. Then, 41 surface samples were taken, representing all the series of the region, in order to prepare a map of the spatial distribution of gypsum using geospatial techniques. The results showed the diagnosis of the ochric epipedon surface horizon and the subsurface diagnostic horizon, the Gypsic Endopedon, in series A3.3 and A1.1, and the presence of gypsum in the form of gypsum cones in these horizons. The results of the spatial distribution map also revealed that the type of gypsum with a high content occupies a large area in the study area, estimated at about 44.26 km2, which leads to a problem in root growth and obstruction of the root system, which negatively affects the productivity of the crop and thus will negatively affect the productivity of agricultural lands, which requires the development of plans. Successful management achieves the preservation of the soil resource in order to achieve sustainable development goals of providing food and preserving these natural resources.