Evaluation of Soils Affected by Salts in the Al-Jufra - Sokna Area

This study was conducted to assess the extent of the impact of natural, environmental and human factors on soil salinity and its distribution variation in the Al-Jufra region, specifically in the Al-Hamam Agricultural Project - Sokna, in addition to identifying the type of soil prevailing in the region. To achieve the objectives of this study, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted where samples were collected from the surface layer 0 - 30 cm and the subsurface layer 30 - 60 cm and were prepared and some physical and chemical properties were estimated, including pH, EC, CaCO3, O.M. CEC. After conducting the tests, it was noted that most of the soils in the study area have three different types of texture. The results of the chemical analysis showed a high electrical conductivity of the surface layer soil compared to the subsurface layer. On the other hand, the results showed high ESP values for most soils, as its value in the surface layer was higher than the lower layer of the soil. The study shows the role played by human factors in the increasing phenomenon of salinization of agricultural soils in the project area through mismanagement by leaving the land fallow after exploitation, and the lack of drains and the low efficiency of the existing ones.