Studies on some Low Lying Areas of Heavy Textured Soils in Toshka Region

摘要

SOME CLAYEY soils in Toshka region were studied in this investigation. They are characterized by wide cracks, gilgai and slickensides throughout the profile. It could be classified as Vertisols. They cover some low lying scattered areas ranged between150-1500 feddans. The clay and silt contents varied between 40.0 and 47.1 % & 40.0 and 50.0 %, respectively. The ECe values amounted to 46.1 dS/m. These soils are difficult for management due to their shrink-swell properties, high soil consistency whendry, plastic and sticky when wet. Adding organic matter increases the moisture level and prolongs the number of days available for soil tillage, adding soil amendment to reduce the ESP, improving the internal drainage by preparing beds and fiirrows in contact with external drainage. Water requirements for removing excess soluble salts from the soil depth of 50 cm are about 1600 mVfeddan, whereas, the gypsum requirements are about 11.0 ton/feddan. Most of these soils are classified as S_4 soil suitability for agriculture. It could be cultivated with trees especially date palms by excavating pits on the crest of beds and refilling it by loamy soil. Also, the graminaceous such as wheat, sugarcane and maize could be cultivated in these soils.