Soil Characterization and Land Suitability AssessmentStudy forFarming Area atAl- Khojalab- Khartoum State

Abstract

This study was conducted on a farm located in the state of Khartoum, in the northern part of Bahri town in Al- khojalab area, the total area of the farm about 72 feddan. The study was conducted to evaluate the farm lands and determine their suitability for agricultural use and crop production. The soil sample collected from Auger and soil profiles were morphologically described in the field. The physical and chemical parameters of soil samples were determined in the laboratories of College of Agricultural Studies -Sudan University for Science and Technology.

two types of soils were identified namely: clayey loam soil and clay soil which is the most prevalent in the study area. Soils that have been identified in the study area were described as saline and sodic soils, therefore the farm has been divided into two units: Unit (1): contains amount of salinity and sodicity, Unit (2): contains a high amount of salinity and sodicity associated with high percentage of clay. This was lead to low permeability. The land suitability was classified as Class II (S2sn( for the first section, and Class III) S3snp (for the second section.

The study recommended with land use planning in the farm based on the differences in soil units, addition of organic matter is highly requested to improve soil physical properties and chemical to ensure high crop productivity,together with the growing of crops tolerant to salinity. It is highly recommended modern technology for improving land management considering its salinity and sodicity of the soil.The irrigation system should be adequatewith avoiding the use of heavy machine and as well applying crop rotation as much as possible.