The Paleodrainage Delta soils are located between longitude 270 00\ to
310 00\ East and latitude 270 00\ to 300 00\ North, covering about 44000.0 km2.
This study aims to give a preliminary vision pertinent agriculture land
evaluation and quality of water resources using GIS techniques, Land sat ETM
images and digital elevation model (DEM).
Fifty five soil profiles were taken to represent the main physiographic
units, and soil samples were performed for physical and chemical analyses.
Also, water resource samples were collected from two wells and chemically
analysed.
Data reveal that landscapes include five physiographic units within the
countor lines of delta belts as follows:
1- Highest belt of the delta > 225 m a.s.l.
2- High belt of the delta 150 – 225 m a.s.l.
3- Medium high belt of the delta 75 – 150 m a.s.l.
4- Lower belt of the delta 0 – 75 m a.s.l.
5- Longitudinal dunes.
The studied soils could be classified into two Taxonomic orders;
Entisols and Aridisols within 26 soil family levels. The surface features are
mainly almost flat to gently undulating relief partly with rock outcrop. These
soils are deep to moderately deep, sand to sandy loam texture locally with high
gravel content or shallow depth. The lime and gypsum content were relatively
high with more percentage in the medium-high and lower belt of the delta. Soil
salinity varied widely from non-saline to extremely saline.
Data showed that high current suitability values were in very high belt
of delta, whereas moderate potential suitability values were in some low belt of
delta. While, low current and potential suitabilities were in sand dunes unit. The
obtained classes could be changed to the better as potential suitability.
Data revealed that waters quality of the two wells, No. 1 and 2 are not
suitable for drinking usage, however iron content is mostly above the critical
limits for such use. On the other hand, waters of well No. 1 have marginally
suitable class (C3-C2) for irrigation use and may cause more restrictions when used for a long-term. While, waters of well No. 2 have highly suitable class
(C1-C1) for crop irrigation without any restrictions, hence when used for a long-term.