THE EFFECT OF SOIL EROSION BY WATER ON SOME PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL SOIL PROPERTIES IN AL-JABAL AL AKHDAR AREA, LIBYA: COMPARISON BETWEEN EROSION AND DEPOSITION AREAS

doi:10.21608/fjard.2010.195670

THE EFFECT OF SOIL EROSION BY WATER ON SOME PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL SOIL PROPERTIES IN AL-JABAL AL AKHDAR AREA, LIBYA: COMPARISON BETWEEN EROSION AND DEPOSITION AREAS

Document Type : Research articles.

10.21608/fjard.2010.195670

Abstract

Erosion and degradation-related soil properties were investigated in this study.
The investigation was carried out on three different sites. Top soil samples were
collected from two areas at each site (represent erosion and deposition areas). Particle
size distribution, bulk density, soil organic matter, EC, exchangeable and soluble ions
were determined in soil samples of both erosion and deposition areas in order to
assess the impact of soil erosion on those areas.
Data obtained indicated that soil erosion has affected several soil properties.
Clay content was increased significantly in the deposition areas, while silt and sand
contents were significantly greater in the eroded areas. Remarkable decline were
observed in soil depth caused by soil erosion which led to further soil deposition.
Exchangeable Ca and Mg contents through soil profiles in the eroded areas were also
decreased. In spite of the limitation of this study, the results could emphasize the role
of soil erosion in soil degradation process and productivity. This is certainly evident
within such fragile ecosystem that is characterized by shallow soils, disturbed
vegetation and limited moisture content.