Actual and Potential Land Productivity of Certain Soils in Egypt's Eastern Desert along the Sohag-Red Sea Road

Abstract

In order to boost tourist and agricultural operations, the Egyptian government concentrates on development initiatives, particularly in new areas like the Sohag-Red Sea route. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the potential and current productivity of land. Based on the six mapping units of the research region, seventeen soil profiles were selected. Soil samples were taken from each horizon and soil profiles were drilled. Soil moisture content (H), drainage (D), depth (P), texture (T), soluble salt content (S), average nutrient content (N), organic matter content (O), cationic exchange capacity (A), and stocks of weatherable minerals (M) were the nine land parameters that were measured or calculated. Using normal soil analysis techniques, soil samples were examined for the aforementioned characteristics. Thus, for every soil profile under study, the land productivity (PI) and potentiality (P◻ I) indices were computed. The findings showed that the researched area's real land productivity is very low and may be increased 17 times by enhancing the soil's moisture level, texture, and organic matter content, which are the main governing elements. Arc GIS 10.1 was used to create maps of actual and projected land production. Decision-makers may find these findings useful for planning the reclamation of new lands and improving agricultural output.