Land evaluation and suitability of Hala’ib and Shalateen region, Egypt, by integrated use of GIS and remote sensing techniques

الملخص EN

Land suitability and capability evaluation was done by integrating remote sensing and GIS techniques for Hala’ib and Shalateen region which are located south east of the eastern desert of Egypt.

The regions are of high priority for development.

Ten soil profiles were taken to represent the main geomorphic units in the study area.

Topographic maps, field work observations and digital elevation model (DEM) were used to generate the geomorphologic map.Eight main geomorphologic units were identified i.e wadis, 2- alluvial fans and deltas, 3- alluvial plains, 4- sand sheets, 5- sand dunes, 6- alkali flats (sabkhas), 7- plains with rock outcrops and 8- high rocky lands.

Land capability evaluation was performed using Micro-LEIS-Cervatana capability model.

Percentages of land capability were as follows 8.50% “good of use” , 24.72% “moderate use”, 9.14% “marginal or non-productive”; 57.7% “rocky and erosion-risk”.

The main capability limitations are soil erosion risks and rockiness.

The Micro-LEIS-Almagra model was used to produce the optimum cropping pattern and limitations of soil units.

Land suitability using the Micro-LEIS-Almagra program showed suitability for wheat, potato, maize and sugar beet (as annuals); alfalfa (as semi-annuals), peach, citrus fruits and olive (as perennials).

Main limitations include salinity, sodicity, shallowness, rockness and inadequate drainage and low fertility