Combined Impact of Climate Change and Continuous cultivation on Greenhouses Soil Health in Sulaymaniyah Province, Iraq

This study investigates the impact of continuous soil cultivation practices on soil health indicators in five villages located within the Bazian area of Sulaymaniyah city, Iraq. The villages, despite their geographic proximity within a single local climatic zone, exhibit consistent agricultural service approaches. Soil analyses focused on clay loam texture and were conducted annually before spring planting, bulk density, permeability, porosity, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter content, and pH levels. Results indicate that bulk density ranged from 1.26 g cm-³ to 1.8 g cm-³ throughout the study period, showing a relative increase over time due to intensive plowing and agricultural activities. The continued use of organic fertilizers has helped maintain soil granular structure, preventing further deterioration of bulk density. Permeability showed a slight decrease from initial measurements highlighting challenges. EC values varied significantly among villages. Organic matter content exhibited a curvilinear decline despite efforts to augment soil health through organic amendments. Analysis of cucumber crop yields revealed declining trends over the study period, underscoring soil depletion issues exacerbated by excessive agrochemical usage. The mismanagement of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to imbalanced soil nutrient profiles detrimental to soil biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices. the rainfall data shows fluctuations with a notable peak in 2018 and a significant decline by 2021. The general trend indicates a decrease in annual rainfall over the study period, despite the occasional increases. a clear upward trend in average annual temperatures over the study period, with a significant increase observed from 2018 onwards. Despite protective measures like greenhouse cultivation moderating direct climatic impacts on soil properties, temperature rises have intensified plant stress and water demand affecting agricultural productivity.