SOIL CLASSIFICATION OF BAHARIYA OASIS USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNIQUES

Bahariya Oasis is one of the most geologically important areas in the Western Desert. It is also a promising location for agriculture expansion projects due to the plenty and good quality of ground water for agricultural activities. The objective of this work was to develop a soil classification map of this area using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Spot image, acquired in 2011 and digital elevation model (DEM) were used to develop physiographic units. Three main physiographic units were identified in the oasis, which are plains, depression floor with low, moderately high and high lands and pediment. Thirty one soil profiles were dug throughout the oasis to represent soil physiographic units. These profiles were described, and sampled. Soil samples were analyzed for the physical and chemical characteristics. Soils in the studied area were classified under 11 soil map units (SMUs), which are: 1. Sandy, siliceous, calcareous, thermic, Lithic Calcigypsids, 2. Sandy, siliceous, thermic, Lithic Haplogypsids, 3. Sandy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Haplogypsids, 4. Sandy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Aquisalids, 5. Sandy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Haplosalids, 6. Loamy, mixed, active, thermic, Typic Gypsiargids, 7. Sandy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Quartzipsamments, 8. Sandy, siliceous, thermic, Lithic Torripsamments, 9. Sandy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Torripsamments, 10. Loamy, mixed, super active, thermic, Typic Torrifluvents, and 11. Sandy skeletal, siliceous, thermic, Typic Torriorthents. Calcium, gypsum, and salt accumulations were found in most of the studied soils. Few accumulations of silicate clays were also observed in certain areas of the depression.