A study of soil degradation using some quality indicators in mid-Mesopotamian plain

Soil degradation in Iraq is becoming a serious concern due to improper farming practices, poor irrigation management, salinity, erosion and recurring drought, which affect soil fertility and crop production. Hence, assessing soil degradation through selected soil quality indicators is important to understand the present soil condition and identify suitable measures for its improvement and sustainable management in the Mid-Mesopotamian Plain. Therefore, this study aims to assess soil degradation in arid areas by examining key soil quality indicators, especially in the area south of Baghdad (Al-Yusufiyah) in the Alluvial Plain basin of Baghdad Governorate; the study covers 409.33 km2. To assess soil degradation and desertification, the study used the Soil Quality Index (SQI), Vegetation Quality Index (VQI), Climate Quality Index (CQI), and the Environmentally Sensitive Area Index (ESAI) for desertification; these indicators were derived from a weighted group of indicators. To do this, 40 samples were taken from the field to determine the physical and chemical properties of the soil in the area. The results showed that the soil texture sign was in Class 2, while the organic matter sign was in Class 4. The CaCO3 level was in Class 2 (medium). Class 1 (high). The EC and pH signs were in Class 3 and Class 4 (high), respectively. Based on these indicators, the Soil Quality Index ranged from 1.16 to 1.63, with Class 2 (moderate quality) being the most common. The Vegetation Quality Index (VQI) ranged from 1.33 to 1.93, falling in the quality group. The aridity indicator was 4.43, meaning the area was very dry. The erosion sign was in the "group” while the Climate Quality Index (CQI) was 1.81, also in the "low quality" group with an aridity sign of 1.8 (in the semi-arid group, Class 6). The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Index (ESAI) ranged from 1.40 to 1.77, with the "Critical" group being the most common; this group was split into the smaller C1 and C3 groups. Overall, the area was at risk of desertification because the SQI, VQI, and CQI indicators were all high.