Changes in soil physico-chemical properties along elevation and precipitation gradients in Northeastern Syria

Abstract Soils from arid and semi-arid regions are strongly influenced by climate through interaction among temperature, precipitation, and vegetation. These factors generally affect soil formation and fertility, although data for northeastern Syria remain limited. This study assessed the physicochemical properties of three soil profiles (Al-Hasakah, Al-Qamishli, and Al-Malikiyah) in the Al-Hasakah Governorate (NE Syria) across elevation (300–598 m.a.s.l.) and precipitation gradients (280–650 mm). One profile per site was analyzed for texture, bulk density, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, calcium carbonate, soil pH, electrical conductivity, available phosphorus (Olsen-P), and DTPA-extractable contents of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu. Al-Hasakah, the driest and lowest site, showed clay loam texture, the lowest clay content (30.4%), and low organic matter content (< 0.77%). Al-Qamishli exhibited intermediate characteristics, while Al-Malikiyah, the site located at the highest elevation, developed clay-rich soils typical of calcareous vertisols, with correspondingly low organic matter content (< 0.98%), consistent with semi-arid and arid soils. The soils exhibited medium to very high cation exchange capacity dominated by Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, while available P was low (< 4 mg kg⁻¹). The DTPA-extractable contents of the micronutrients studied were very low, as expected for semi-arid soils. When these values were assessed against guidelines for semi-arid soils, a moderate availability of Cu, Fe, and Mn was generally observed, while Zn concentrations were low to moderate. The obtained results provide valuable information to farmers, land managers, and researchers working on soil fertility management practices in NE Syria and in regions with similar environmental conditions.