Assessment of the Vegetation Cover Change at Qala El-Nahal Locality - Gedaref State - Sudan

Abstract

This study was carried out at the South West of Qala El-Nahal Locality, Gedaref State where intensive, rapid horizontal expansions of mechanized rain-fed schemes of cash crops were practiced. The study aimed to assess the vegetation cover change at Qala El-Nahal Locality. The data were collected through remote sensing of satellite images for the years 1972, 1984 and 2018. The Point-Centered Quarter Method (PCQ) used for vegetation assessment. Also the soil samples were taken for soil texture, soil pH, Electrical conductivity and NPK. Also the questionnaire for social information was used. The collected data were analyzed by ERDAS Imagine 8.5 and ARC map 9.3, soil data were analyzed by ANOVA table for NPK and arithmetic mean for soil texture, pH, EC was adopted. The results showed; the vegetation cover in the study area was changed. The grasses changed from 81% in 1972 to 0.7% in 2018 and the forest land changed from12.9% in 1972 and disappeared in 2018. The study recommended that, to adopt reforestation programs to cover the deteriorated areas in Qala El-Nahal Locality.