Soil characterization and Land Suitability Assessment for El Fasher Agricultural Research Farm North Darfur State

Abstract

This study was conducted in the El-Fasher Agricultural Research Farm which is located in North Darfur State latitude 13:38' Degree north and longitudes 25:19'degree west. The main road which connects EI-Fasher to Kutum and other important towns runs beside the farm area. The farm is dominated by flat topography within the undulating sandy plain. The climate of the study area is arid and the main types of vegetation in the study area are Qoz vegetation . The water resources were Surface water and underground water. The major land use types are traditional farming (rain fed) and animal breeding. This study aimed to characterize the soils EL-Fasher Agricultural Research Farm and show their variability. As well, the study indicated the suitability of the land for some selected crops and recommended the proper management practices. The Gridsoil survey method was followed in this study which involved field descriptions and taking of representative soil samples at intervals of (100cm) apart, Five soil profile ware dug to 200cm depth, soil samplles Collected and complete routine analysis were carried to show the chemical and physical. Four different soil physiographic units have been identified which are the slightly higher Medium and Coarse Sand (SL) and Fine Sand (SH), the Sand dune (SD), and the flat lower Sand plain (SP).The Farm is generally composed of one map unit with consociations of minor inculcations of similar sandy soils. The results of field description and laboratory analysis revealed that the soil of the farm has high filtration due to the texture classes with fertility limitation. According to land suitability system the study rated the soils in class two with fertility limitation (S2f), and class (S3ft) with fertility and moisture deficiency (S3fm). The study recommended the soil of the EL-Fasher Agricultural Research Farm should have proper additions of organic matter which leads to building of healthy and high quality soils which will have great positive influence on plants. Applying a good system of irrigation methods with good quality water in appropriate time is required for these sandy soils. Results and recommendations of the trials and experiments carried on this farm should only be applied to similar sandy soils. For other types of soils in the state, experiments and trials could be carried on farmer's fields.