ASSESSMENT OF LAND SUITABILITY AND WATER RESOURCES FOR DIFFERENT CROPS IN KHARGA – NEW VALLEY –EGYPT.

CONCLUSION
Based on geomorphological units of the studied soil profiles, the
studied area could be classified to (pedilpain, playa and sand sheets) soil
mapping units. Except for sand sheets unit, the high level of water table
in the lands representing the different soil units is a problem that
necessitates drainage and periodic analyses of soil salinity. Consulting
the land suitability system for certain crops, MICROLESS reveals that
the study area is suitable (S2) and moderately suitable (S3) in some soils
for a wide range of crops such as annual and semi-annual and perennial
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 259
crops. Quinoa is one of the crops that is suitable for different soil units,
and it is more productive in pedilpain and playa and less productive in
sandy lands. Total heavy metals contents in the studied soils in pediplain,
playa and sand sheets units (Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cd) within
international limits except Cd metal in some surface layers. The greater
part of the chose yields like wheat, Faba beans, onions and quinoa, the
aftereffects of the weighty metals content of root, stalk, leaves and fruit
of Quinoa showed that they are in safe limits. The results presented in the
study show an accumulation of certain elements, whether in the roots or
leaves, and sometimes in grains such as beans, wheat and quinoa. Despite
the accumulation of these elements such as, nickel, cadmium and lead,
they are within safe limits for human consumption.

ASSESSMENT OF LAND SUITABILITY AND WATER
RESOURCES FOR DIFFERENT CROPS IN KHARGA –
NEW VALLEY –EGYPT.
Ahmed Sayed1 ; Abd Elslam Elwa2 and Y.A. Abd El-Hady3
1-Desert Research Center, Department of Pedology, El-Matariya, Cairo 11753, Egypt
2-Soil Physics and Chemistry Department, , Desert Research Center, El-Matariya
11753, Cairo, Egypt
3 - Department of Hydrogeochemistry, Desert Research Center, El-Matariya, Cairo,
11753, Egypt
*Corresponding author - Tel: +2 01025109331;
2E-mail - abdelsalamelwa33@yahoo.com
Key Words : Agricultural soil suitability, land capability , heavy metals
accumulation, Translocation (TF) and Biological
accumulation coefficient
ABSTRACT
Kharga Oases is located in the western desert of Egypt. El-Monera,
Al-shirka, Kharga, Nasser Al-thawra, Jinnah, East Bulaq were selected as
case studies. The purpose of current research is to assess the land capability
and the suitability of annual, semi-annual and perennial crops for
agriculture. In addition, evaluate the contamination by heavy metals of the
soil, the crops and the irrigation water. The obtained data indicate that the
main land geomorphic units were Pedilpain, Sand sheets, and Playa.
According to two land evaluation systems applied for evaluating the studied
soils; Sys and Verhey and Land evaluation decision support system
(MicroLEIS-DSS). The results indicated that Kharga Oases soils belong to
class marginally suitable (S3) and currently not suitable (N1). While land
capability classes using the CERVATANA model are marginally suitable
(S3 I). The area under investigation has been divided into two relative
suitability classes; suitable (S2 class) and marginally suitable (S3 class). The
main limitations were useful depth, texture, drainage, salinity, carbonate,
and sodium saturation. Correcting those factors will improve the land
capability and suitability for productivity. The accumulation of heavy
metals, such as Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cd, in soils, irrigation water, and
commonly grown crop plants (wheat, faba bean, and quinoa), was studied in
fields that represented major geomorphological units. Irrigation water at
various locations was slightly saline, with no sodium hazard. Deep-water
wells in New Valley, there is an increase of the two elements of iron and
manganese, and take into account when using modern irrigation systems.
The findings also revealed that heavy metal levels in irrigation water were
within the acceptable range. The total content of Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cd
in top soil samples was higher than in subsoil samples, indicating an
anthropogenic source of contamination. The main total and extractable
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 239-264
heavy metals, on the other hand, showed low contamination levels in the soil
and within international limits except total Cd metal in Bulaq village in the
surface layer (0 –30 cm) 5.3 mg/kg. All the total heavy metals in the plants
in the studied soils within international limits except Ni and Cd metals in
some layers. Translocation factor (TF) and biological accumulation
coefficient (BAC) of all elements in the studied soils were determined. they
are TF and BAC are higher in in roots, stalk and leaves than some fruits
,But other can accumulate some heavy metals by higher degree and can
reached to the food chain directly or in directly.
INTRODUCTION
The western desert accounts for almost two-thirds of the total surface
area of Egypt. It represents a large potential for agricultural expansion
Parks, (2016). The New Valley Governorate is located in southwestern
Egypt, and shares international boundaries with Libya and Sudan. The
internal borders of the Governorate are with the governorates of Minya,
Gizeh and Matruh in the North, and the governorates of Assiut, Sohag,
Qena, Luxor and Aswan in the East. According to (Ezzelarab, et al., 2021)
Kharga Oasis is an approximately 200 km long depression in the north-south
direction and 20-80 km wide in the east-west direction. The New Valley
Government is an important sector for agricultural development. The New
Valley is the largest governorate in Egypt, it occupies the southern half of
the western desert of Egypt, covering an area of 458,000 Km2, or about 48
% of the total surface area of Egypt. The location of the El-Kharga
depression is full of marine sediments covered with sandy layers (Gameh,
et al. 2017)
A shortage of irrigation water, excessive levels of salts in irrigation
water and soil, poor agricultural drainage, and sand creeping are all
obstacles to the Governorate's agricultural growth. In addition, illogical
water and soil management, such as dependency on surface irrigation,
haphazard well drilling, farmers' lack of expertise in dealing with soil
degradation concerns, and ultimately, insufficient agricultural extension
services, exacerbate the Governorate's agricultural situation (Gad et al.,
2016, Gameh, et al. 2017 and Soliman, 2020).
According to (Karlen, & Stott, 1994, Sayed, 2013 and Tezcan, et
al., 2020) land evaluations are important for the development of sustainable
agriculture. Based on the value of several soils and environmental indicators,
the methodology for the assessment of agricultural land is applied to the
mapping units to calculate the suitability index. Actual and potential land
suitability and crop requirements calculated by using the ALES was used by
(Kawy, & Abou El-Magd 2013). The selections of the most promising
crops to be evaluated according to their suitability for the investigated area
240 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021
were based on the following parameters: sustaining the natural resources,
national strategic plans and economic viability. Based on most suitable
traditional crops are proposed for the studied area. The main selected crops
are clover, wheat, beans, and sugar beet, onion, maize, sunflower, tomato,
potato, groundnut, pea, barley, sesame, and carrot. Land capability
classification of Al-Kharga Oases using remote sensing and GIS studied by
(Gad, 2013). The obtained data indicate that the highly capable soils
represent 24.5% of Al-Kharga Oases, these soils are associated with the
Typic Haplotorrerts and Typic Torrifluvents sub-great groups. The
moderately capable soils represent 1.5% of the total area of Al Kharga
Oases. They were found to be associated with sub- great group soil Typic
Torriorthents. The low capable soils represent 36.0%, this class is associated
with the soils of Torripsamments great group. Rock land and non-capable
soils representing 38.0% of Al-Kharga Oases. Gameh, et al., (2017)
studied Assiut University Farm in El-Kharga Oasis, New Valley
Governorate, the goal of this research was to assess the capability and
suitability of the new area before cultivation and the old farmed area, as well
as to look into the impact of cultivation on the physical and chemical
features of the soils under investigation. Land Capability for irrigation of the
new area was found to be 30% marginally suitable, 43% currently not
suitable, and 26% permanently not suitable, whereas for the old cultivated
area, it was found to be 11% moderately suitable, 27% marginally suitable,
27% currently not suitable, and 33% permanently not suitable. In El-Kharga,
the soil texture classes range from sandy loam, silty loam, clay loam, and
loam to clay with a finer texture. The majority of these samples are
moderate to highly strong saline, with little organic content and significant
calcium carbonate. In most locations, soil reaction (pH) is slightly to
moderately alkaline. Gypsum content ranges from low to moderate, with El-
Kharga having the lowest. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) values of
various soils are positively related to the fine particle content. On the basis
of the land capability classification, most of the soils surveyed are classified
in classes (II and III). Most of these soils have high salinity and sodium
limits (Ghallab, et al. 2005). Heavy metal pollution of the soil is a major
environmental hazard (Goyer, 1997). The environment in which plants
grow and their growth medium (soil) from which heavy metals are taken up
by plant roots or foliage are the sources of heavy metals in plan0ts
(Okoronkwo et al., 2005). Heavy metal accumulation in soils is of concern
in agricultural production due to the adverse effects on food quality, crop
growth and environmental health. (Ma et al., 1994).
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 241
Soil pollution is caused by misuse of the soil, such as poor agricultural
practices, disposal of industrial and urban wastes, etc. Soil is also polluted
through the application of chemical fertilizers (like phosphate and Zn
fertilizers), and herbicides (Demırezen, & Aksoy, 2004). Alloway, (2009)
reported that crop plants have different abilities to absorb and accumulate
heavy metals in their body parts and that there is a broad difference in metal
uptake and translocation between plant species and even between cultivars
of the same plant species
The study's major goal is to provide some information regarding
morphological, physical, and chemical features in order to define the soil
assessment units of these soils, with a focus on their agricultural suitability.
In addition, assessment of heavy metals contamination of soil, crops and
water used for irrigation
Description of the study area
The governor's capital is the Kharga Oasis, which covers 68223 km2
and accounts for 15.5% of the governor's total area (Figure 1). It is
elongated depression 185 km long from North to South and approximately
80 km wide. The Oasis is inhabited by 93,753 individuals representing about
37.59% of the governor's population. El-Monera, Al-Shirka, Nasser Al-
Thawra, Jinnah, East Bulaq, Bulaq, Sana'a, and Palestine are the eight
administrative village units of Kharga. According to (Abou-Korin, 2002
and Abdelhafez, et al., 2021) the major source of water in the New Valley
is subterranean water. In 1965, all water wells were self-flowing at high
pressures, day and night. Despite higher operating expenses, the government
has now installed a pump on virtually every well in the region to provide
water.
The climate in Kharga Oasis is typically arid that is characterized by
relatively high temperature with almost no rainfall. The maximum mean
temperature occurs in the summer, reaching 31.4 °C in July, while the
minimum mean temperature occurs in the winter, reaching 12.55 °C in
January. Annually, the maximum temperature is 30.95 °C and the minimum
temperature is 15.7 °C. Average wind speed is maximum in June (3.98 m/s),
and minimum in January (2.69 m/s), with average value annually of 3.32
m/s, mostly from the North. The relative humidity is maximum during
December and January (45.43-44.44%), and minimum in May and June
(17.36-17.86%) with annual value of 28.2% (El-Marsafawy, et al.2019
and Ismael, et al., 2020). The geologic sequence is Cretaceous, Tertiary,
and Quaternary, with Pre-Cambrian basement rocks forming the foundation.
Elevations on the floor of the El Kharga depression range from near 0 mean
sea level (msl) to 120 m above msl. The geologic maps for El kargah
depression illustrate that the floor is mostly covered by shales that alternate
in places with some sandstone, shale bedrocks covered by playa deposits
242 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021
and/or sand sheets. The results of the geographic region groundwater
resource analysis within the Western Desert indicate the supply of property
and economic groundwater for one hundred years within the New natural
depression Oases of: El-Kharga, El-Dakhla, El-Farafra and El-Bahariya
(Ministry of Public Works and Water Resources, 1998): The Nubian
sandstone aquifer is the only water source for domestic use and irrigation in
the Kharga Oasis. Groundwater belongs to freshwater type with salinity
contents ranging from 400 to 900 ppm El-Sankary, (2002) and Salman,
(2010)
Figure (1): Location of the study area
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 243
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Soil, water and plant samples
Thirteen soil profiles represent the realm beneath study were chosen
on the basis of obtainable structural geomorphological mapping units, Fig 2.
The obtained geomorphic map showed that, the area comprises distinct
geomorphic units namely, pediplain, hills, playa, sabkha, sand dunes, high
terraces, wadi deposits, sand sheets and rock land Fig 3. Soil profiles
representing the study area were selected using available geomorphological
information. These profiles have been dug to a depth of 150 cm, unless they
are opposed by a water table or an extremely hard layer. Morphological
description of the soil was undertaken according to the criteria established
by Field Book for Describing Sampling soils (Schoeneberger, et al., 2002,
2011 and 2012) and FAO (Guidelines for soil description 1990 and
2006). The soil samples collected, represented the resulting morphological
variations across the depth of the soil profiles
The collected soil samples were air-dried and passed through a 2mm sieve.
Gravel content (> 2 mm diameter) were determined volumetrically to measure
their sizes and percentages from the total sample while the fine soil (< 2 mm)
was subjected to physical and chemical analyses as indicated by Black et al.,
(1982) as follows:
Soil pH, electrical conductivity and soluble cation and anion were determined
in the soil extract. Particle size distribution of sandy soils was achieved by dry
sieving. The total carbonate content was determined by Collin's calcimeter. The
gypsum content was determined using the acetone methodology described by
Day, and Black (1982). Exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) was
determined, Day, and Black (1982). The organic matter content was
determined by the titration method Walkley and Black (1983). Total trace
metals contents in the soil samples and chemically – extractable amounts were
determined by the Ionic Coupled Plasma (ICP). Collection of groundwater data
in the oases of El Kharga by the Ministry of Irrigation. Data analysis for the
assessment of the groundwater for Agricultural irrigation. This assessment
includes the analysis for cations: Na +, K +, Ca ++ and Mg ++ and anions: Cl-,
HCO3, and SO4
2 and soluble heavy metals and related factors (pH, TDS, and
EC) from groundwater samples at El Kharga oases. Plant sampling analysis.
The vegetables plant samples were thoroughly washed and air dried, then dried
in a dryer at70°C for 4 hrs. The dried material was then powdered in a hammer
mill sample bottles which were used in plant analysis according to
requirements. Digested 0.5 g from the plant powder by H2O2 and H2SO4 was
used to determine the plant contents of trace metals under study (Zn, Cu, Ni,
Co, and Cr ) by Ionic Coupled Plasma (ICP)., (Nicholson 1984).
244 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021
Figure (2): Location of soil profile.
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 245
Figure (3): The main geomorphological units of the study area
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The studied area is occupied by three geomorphic units Table 1;
namely; Pedilpain, Sand sheets and Playa. The considered region could
be ordered to five regions El-Monera, Al - Sharika, El - kharga , Nasser-
El-thawra and Ganah – Bulaq. The morphological, physical and chemical
properties of soil profiles for every area are given in the following:
1- El-Monera region
This soil unit it is represented by soil profiles 1,2 and 3. The topography
of the landscape is generally flat to almost flat with nearly level to very
gently sloping surface. The soil surface is generally covered with drift
sand sheet and field crops. The common features of this soil are moderate
246 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021
deep to deep (80 -150 cm.), coarse texture sometimes with medium to
fine texture surface and somewhat excessively drained to well drained. In
EL-Monera village calcium carbonate contents ranged from 3.75 %
to19.15 %, this means the soil in this location ranges from moderately
calcareous to strongly calcareous. Gypsum content is very low where its
content ranges from trace to 1.4 %, while being absent in the successive
layers of most soil profiles. Electrical conductivity of the soil saturation
extract varies from 0.75 to 5.19 dSm-1, indicating slightly to strongly
saline condition according to (FAO,2006). The large amounts of soluble
salts dictate that leaching or removal of soluble salts at least beyond the
root zone is a must, and this could be practiced quite easily due to the
open structure of soil such as sand sheets map unit.
Table (1) Particle size distribution and textural classes of the studied
soils
Depth CaCO3 Gypsum Gravel Clay Sand Silt Soil
Profile
Location
No. cm % % % % % % texture
Sandy
loam
0---20 6.21 tr. n.d. 13.26 63.7 23.04
Sand
sheets
1
El-
Moniera
20-45 7.23 tr. n.d. 4.08 87.22 8.7 sand
45-80 3.57 1.4 3 4.08 90.16 5.76 sand
80+ Water table
Sandy
clay
loam
0---30 14.47 tr. n.d. 28.56 57.82 13.62
2 Pedilpain
Sandy
clay
loam
30---75 18.72 tr. n.d. 25.5 60.76 13.74
Clay
loam
17.14 tr. n.d. 32.64 37.24 30.12
75---
120
120+ Water table
0--50 13.62 tr. 1 5.1 87.22 7.68 sand
3 Playa 50--100 10.28 tr. n.d. 4.08 86.24 9.68 sand
100-150 19.15 tr. 0.5 6.12 88.2 5.68 sand
Loamy
sand
0-30 7.66 tr. n.d. 7.14 82.32 10.54
4 Pedilpain
Al -
Sharika
Loamy
sand
30--90 5.14 tr. n.d. 9.18 82.32 8.5
90+ Water table
Sandy
loam
0---25 7.66 tr. n.d. 5.1 79.38 15.52
5 Playa Clay
loam
25---85 10.23 tr. n.d. 30.6 34.3 35.1
85+ Water table
Loamy
sand
0---20 8.74 tr. n.d. 5.1 88.2 6.7
6 Playa
El -
kharga
Clay
loam
20---40 8.51 tr. n.d. 33.66 32.34 34
40---60 3.66 tr. n.d. 49.98 29.4 20.62 Clay
60--130 3.43 tr. n.d. 44.88 10.78 44.34 Silty cay
130+ Water table
Sandy
loam
0---30 8.51 tr. n.d. 10.2 62.72 27.08
7 Pedilpain 30---50 2.38 tr. n.d. 47.94 29.4 22.66 Clay
50---90 3 tr. n.d. 58.14 32.34 9.52 Clay
90+ water table
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 247
Table (1)., Cont.
Location Profile Depth CaCO3 Gypsum Gravel Clay Sand Silt Soil
No. cm % % % % % % texture
0---25 7.71 tr. n.d. 36.72 32.34 30.94 Clay loam
8 Pedilpain
Nasser-
Al –
thawra
25-55 7.37 1.6 n.d. 7.14 79.38 13.48 Loamy sand
55-90 2.57 tr. n.d. 32.64 32.34 35.02 Clay loam
90-120 10.21 tr. n.d. 45.9 7.84 46.26 Silty clay
120+ Water table
Silty clay
loam
0---25 7.11 tr. 2.5 32.64 10.78 56.58
9 Pedilpain
25-50 13.36 tr. 2.5 32.64 33.32 34.04 Clay loam
50-90 8.08 1.4 n.d. 34.68 32.34 32.98 Clay loam
90-125 7.11 tr. 2.5 32.64 10.78 56.58 Silt clay loam
125+ Water table
0---30 8.94 tr. n.d. 6.12 87.22 6.66 sand
Sand
sheets
10 30-100 5.14 tr. 1 4.08 86.24 9.68 sand
100-150 10.64 tr. n.d. 6.12 87.22 6.66 sand
0---30 10.21 tr. n.d. 34.68 30.38 34.94 Clay loam
11 Pedilpain
Ganah
and
Bulaq
30-70 10.21 tr. n.d. 52.02 23.52 24.46 Clay
70-90 0.86 tr. n.d. 33.66 30.38 35.96 Clay loam
90---120 18.85 tr. n.d. 52.02 25.48 22.5 Clay
120+ Water table
0---25 8.4 tr. n.d. 34.68 36.26 29.06 Clay loam
12 Pedilpain
25-50 13.11 tr. 2.5 8.16 80.36 11.48 Loamy sand
50-90 0.85 tr. n.d. 32.64 33.32 34.04 Clay loam
90+ Water table
0---20 11.49 tr. 1.11 11.22 62.72 26.06 Sandy loam
13 Playa
20-40 13.62 tr. n.d. 4.08 89.18 6.74 sand
40-80 4.94 tr. n.d. 36.72 31.36 31.92 Clay loam
80-120 1.79 1.6 n.d. 46.92 6.86 46.22 Silt clay
120+ Water table
2- Al - Sharika region
Playa and Pediplain are the main geomorphological units were
represented in Al - Sharika region. The topography of the landscape is
flat with a nearly level sloping surface. The common morphological
characteristics of these soils are moderately deep (85- 90 cm.), with a
water table in the deepest layers. calcium carbonate contents ranged from
5.17 to10.23 % in subsurface layers, this soil consider as moderately
calcareous. The texture of this village ranged from loamy sand to clay
loam. Al – sharika village soil salinity ranges from 0.21 to 2.44 dSm-1,
indicating salt-free to moderately saline soils.
3- El - kharga region
The landscape has a nearly flat to nearly level sloping plain surface,
which is generally covered with field crops. Most feature of this unit is
pediplain and playa with moderate to deep (90– 130 cm) above a water
table level. The soils are often non calcareous to moderately calcareous
(2.38 to 8.7 %). The EC values range between 1.3 and 6.8 dSm-1. The
organic matter content is low (0.82 to 1.15 %).
4- Nasser-El-thawra region
The soils represented by soil profiles 8, 9 and 10, which include
pediplain and sand sheets geomorphological mapping unit. Topography
248 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021
of the landscape is generally flat to gently undulating with flat to gently
sloping surface. The common characteristics of these soils are deep
profiles where the effective soil depth varies from 125-150 cm, soil
texture throughout the entire depth of the studied soil profiles is coarse to
fine texture. Table (1) shows that these soils are non-calcareous to
strongly calcareous, where calcium carbonate content varies widely from
2.57 to13.6 %. Gypsum is absent in most soil layers. Soil salinity ranges
from non-saline to moderately saline (0.2 to 4.46 dsm-1). Organic matter
and macronutrients levels in the uppermost soil layers, table (2) show
that organic matter content is low and ranges from 0.69 to 0.82%.
Table (2) Chemical properties of the studied soils (mg/kg)
HCO3 .OM
- Co3 -- SO 4
-- Cl -1 Mg ++ Ca ++ K + Na + Location Profile. Depth pH EC
dSm % -1 No. (cm )
0.43
El-Moniera 1 0 - 20 7.4 2.3 7.7 1.1 4.1 3.3 10.9 2.8 0.0 2.5
20 - 45 7.3 0.9 2.6 0.3 1.5 0.7 3.5 0.9 0.0 0.7
45 - 80 7.2 2.0 5.6 0.4 3.7 1.8 6.5 3.8 0.0 1.1
0.36
2 0 - 30 7.7 0.8 1.9 0.2 1.3 1.6 3.0 0.1 0.0 1.9
30 -75 7.4 1.9 3.8 0.5 6.5 2.0 0.4 11.4 0.0 1.0
75 - 12 7.4 5.2 11.2 1.4 18.5 9.2 12.1 24.7 0.0 3.5
1.28
3 0 - 50 7.4 1.6 5.5 0.6 3.2 1.6 3.1 6.8 0.0 1.1
50 - 100 7.4 1.3 3.7 13.0 2.1 1.7 2.3 16.7 0.0 1.4
100 -150 8.1 1.3 2.7 0.2 2.0 0.6 1.7 3.2 0.0 0.7
1.08
Al - sharika 4 0 -30 8.4 0.9 2.4 0.1 3.3 2.3 3.0 3.6 0.0 1.5
30 - 90 7.8 1.4 0.7 0.0 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.8 0.0 0.1
1.15
5 0 - 25 7.9 0.2 6.3 33.7 13.7 8.2 8.2 47.5 0.0 6.3
25 - 85 7.8 2.4 22.7 0.7 10.0 9.9 18.0 18.5 0.0 6.9
El -kharga 6 0 - 20 7.5 6.8 7.3 0.3 1.0 2.1 3.5 5.5 0.0 1.7 1.15
20 - 40 7.5 2.0 6.4 0.3 4.4 4.4 5.4 8.4 0.0 1.6
40 - 60 7.5 3.6 9.6 0.4 8.0 5.6 5.8 16.5 0.0 1.2
60 -130 7.6 3.3 8.9 0.4 5.6 4.6 4.5 13.8 0.0 1.7
7 0 - 30 7.8 3.7 9.1 0.3 1.7 1.1 10.2 1.7 0.0 0.3 0.82
30 - 50 7.9 3.4 2.6 0.1 2.0 1.3 1.2 3.8 0.0 0.9
50 - 90 7.6 1.4 6.2 0.2 1.0 0.7 3.0 4.2 0.0 1.0
Nasser- Al- 8 0 - 25 7.8 1.5 18.8 0.9 2.2 1.7 5.3 16.6 0.0 1.7 0.69
thawra 25 -55 7.5 4.6 3.0 0.6 3.5 3.9 1.7 8.4 0.0 1.0
55 - 90 7.5 1.5 8.2 0.2 1.2 2.2 2.0 8.8 0.0 1.1
90 -120 7.4 2.1 5.7 0.6 1.8 3.4 3.2 7.5 0.0 0.9
9 0 - 25 7.2 1.9 5.2 0.3 10.4 6.5 2.6 14.3 0.0 5.4 0.82
25 - 50 7.3 3.5 7.0 0.7 3.2 2.6 3.2 7.7 0.0 2.6
50 - 90 7.4 2.4 4.7 0.6 2.7 2.3 0.2 8.6 0.0 1.6
90 -125 7.6 1.6 5.2 0.3 10.4 6.5 2.6 14.3 0.0 5.4 0.82
10 0- 30 7.4 3.5 0.5 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.9 0.2 0.0 0.1 1.15
30 -100 7.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 2.1 1.3 2.4 0.4 0.0 1.0
100 -150 7.3 1.0 3.3 0.2 2.3 3.4 7.6 0.9 0.0 0.8
Ganah and 11 0 - 30 7.2 1.4 5.7 0.5 3.5 1.8 5.2 5.5 0.0 0.8 0.49
Bulaq 30 -70 7.3 1.8 9.5 0.8 3.0 1.7 8.7 2.2 0.0 4.1
70 - 90 7.4 3.3 8.2 1.1 5.3 5.1 5.4 12.2 0.0 2.0
90 -120 8.0 2.3 6.1 0.6 4.3 4.1 5.9 6.9 0.0 2.3
12 0 - 25 8.1 9.0 29.2 1.0 13.3 10.0 14.8 28.9 0.0 9.7 1.02
25 - 50 7.8 1.9 4.8 0.3 3.1 1.6 4.6 1.2 0.0 4.0
50 - 90 7.8 2.9 8.7 0.4 3.9 1.3 4.9 9.0 0.0 0.3
13 0 - 20 7.5 2.0 7.3 0.3 1.0 2.1 3.5 5.5 0.0 1.7 1.15
20 - 40 7.5 3.6 6.4 0.3 4.4 4.4 5.4 8.4 0.0 1.6
40 - 80 7.5 3.3 9.6 0.4 8.0 5.6 5.8 16.4 0.0 1.2
80 - 120 7.5 3.7 8.9 0.4 5.6 4.6 4.5 13.4 0.0 1.7
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 249
5- Ganah – Bulaq region
This soil mapping unit represented by soil profiles 11,12 and 13.
Topography of the landscape is generally almost flat to flat with nearly
level sloping surface. The common characteristics of these soils which
represented playa and pediplain units are moderate to deep soils (90-120
Cm). Gypsum content varies from trace to 1.6 %, while being absent in
the other soil profiles. Also, table (1) shows that these soils are noncalcareous
to extremely calcareous, where calcium carbonate content
ranges widely from 0.86 to 18.85%. Electrical conductivity values of
most of these soils ranges from 1.35 to 9.02 dSm-1, indicating slightly
saline to extremely saline. The cationic composition of the soil saturation
extract of all soil layers is dominated with Na+ followed by Ca++ and/or
Mg++ and K+, while Cl- and SO4
-- followed by HCO3
- dominated the
anionic composition. Regarding the levels of organic matter and
macronutrients in most surface layers, data in table (2) show that organic
matter content is low and ranges from 0.49 to 1.15 %.
Land Evaluation
Evaluation of the soils represented by the studied profiles was carried
out using land evaluation systems outlined by Sys, and Verheye (1978)
and Micro LEIS DSS. Noteworthy to mention that evaluation of these
characteristics is accomplished for gravity irrigation using good quality
water. Results obtained are discussed in the following: -
Currently land capability
Land evaluation method was used to evaluate actual land
suitability, which relates the suitability of land units for a specific use
under present condition.
land capability by Sys and Verheye (1978) system and
CERVATANA model
Applying this system, concerning the physico-chemical land
characteristics for irrigation, to soils of the study area, Table (3) reveals
that these soils could be placed, according to the calculated Ci values,
into the following orders and classes: marginally suitable (S3) and
currently not suitable (N1), the suitability index for irrigation (Ci) ranges
is 18.47 to 49.10%. While land capability classes using CERVATANA
model area marginally suitable (S3 I), the main limitations were soil
salinity, drainage, soil texture and soil depth
Potential land capability
Potential land suitability will be presented, which relates to the
suitability of the land units after investigation of the major improvements
in the light of the economic possibilities available. Potential land
capability and suitability refers to the capability of units for a defined
use, after specified major improvements have been completed where
necessary such as: the most limiting chemical factor being considered is
250 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021
soil salinity which can be removed by reclaiming these soils through
leaching, especially as the good quality irrigation water is available and
applied management programs, which can decrease the salinity. From the
results in Table 3, it is evident that all soils represented by most of the
studied profiles belongs to S2 and S3 according to Sys and Verheye
system, while (S2 I) according to CERVATANA model
Table (3) Current and potential land capability of the profiles
represented geomorphological units
Location
Profile
Geomorpholo
gical
Currently land capability Potential land capability
No. units Land capability Sys and Verheye and
CERVATANA model
Land capability Sys and Verheye and
CERVATANA model
Ci CERVT
ANA
main limitations Proposed managements Ci CER
VTA
NA
El-Moniera
1 Pedilpain 43.86 S3 S3I Drainage, soil
salinity,
Leaching, Tolerant crops
such as quinoa
64.13 S2I
2 Playa 39.24 S3 S3I soil depth and
soil texture
Improvement of the
drainage and
57.38 S2I
3 Sand sheets 42.32 S3 S3I Irrigation management 44.55 S2I
Al - Sharika
4 Pedilpain 44.74 S3 S3I Drainage, soil
salinity
Deep plowing to improve 65.41 S2I
5 Playa 31.40 S3 S3I and soil depth soil permeability and
moisture availability.
45.90 S2I
El -kharga
6 Playa 41.12 S3 S3I Drainage and
soil salinity
Organic fertilization to
improve permeability
48.09 S2I
7 Pedilpain 37.28 S3 S3I Applying modern
irrigation systems
54.51 S2I
Nasser- Al –
thawra
8 Pedilpain 41.42 S3 S3I Drainage, soil
salinity
60.56 S2I
9 Pedilpain 49.10 S3 S3I Drainage, soil
salinity
64.60 S2I
10 Sand sheets 18.47 N1 S3I and soil texture 38.90 S2I
Ganah and
Bulaq
11 Pedilpain 39.24 S3 S3I Drainage, soil
salinity,
57.38 S2I
12 Pedilpain 33.24 S3 S3I soil depth and
soil texture
51.30 S2I
13 Playa 44.48 S3 S3I 68.64 S2I
Marginally suitable (S3), Moderately suitable (S2) Ci= Capability index
Agricultural soil suitability (Almagra model)
Potential land suitability will be presented, which relates to the
suitability of the land units after investigation of the major improvements
in the light of the economic possibilities available. Potential land
capability and suitability refers to the capability of units for a defined
use, after specified major improvements have been completed where
necessary such as: the most limiting chemical factor being considered is
soil salinity which can be removed by reclaiming these soils through
leaching, especially as the good quality irrigation water is available and
applied management programs, which can decrease the salinity. The area
under investigation has been divided into two relative suitability classes;
suitable (S2 class) and marginally suitable (S3 class) table4 a and b. The
main limitations were useful depth, texture, drainage, salinity, carbonate,
and sodium saturation.
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 251
Table (4): Agricultural soil suitability for of the profiles represented
geomorphological units
a) Annual crops and Tolerant crops such as (Quinoa)
Location
Profile
Geomorphological
Almagra model: Agricultural soil suitability Tolerant
Annual crops crops
No. units Wheat Maize Melon Potatoes Soybean Cotton Sunflower Sugar beet Quinoa
El-Moniera
1 Pedilpain S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S2t
2 Playa S2ta S3a S2csa S2csa S2tsa S2c S2tsa S2t S1
3 Sand sheets S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S2
Al - Sharika
4 Pedilpain S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S1
5 Playa S2tsa S3a S3s S2csa S2tsa S2c S2tsa S2t S1
El -kharga
6 Playa S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S1
7 Pedilpain S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S1
Nasser-
Al –thawra
8 Pedilpain S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S1
9 Pedilpain S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S1
10 Sand sheets S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S1
Ganah and
Bulaq
11 Pedilpain S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S2t
12 Pedilpain S2tsa S3a S3s S2csa S2tsa S2c S2tsa S2t S1
13 Playa S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S3t S1
b) Semi-annual and perennial crops
Almagra model: Agricultural soil suitability
Location Profile Geomorphological Semi-annual and perennial crops
No. units Alfalfa Peach Citrus Olive
El-
Moniera
1 Pedilpain S3t S2tdc S2tdc S2tds
2 Playa S2tsa S2dcs S2dcs S2dsa
3 Sand sheets S3t S2tdc S2tdc S2tds
Al -
Sharika
4 Pedilpain S3t S2tdc S2tdc S2tds
5 Playa S2tsa S3s S3s S3s
El -
kharga
6 Playa S3t S2tdc S2tdc S2tds
7 Pedilpain S3t S2tdc S2tdc S2tds
Nasser-
Al –thawra
8 Pedilpain S3t S2tdc S2tdc S2tds
9 Pedilpain S3t S2tdc S2tdc S2tds
10 Sand sheets S3t S2tdc S2tdc S2tds
Ganah and
Bulaq
11 Pedilpain S3t S2tdc S2tdc S2tds
12 Pedilpain S2tsa S3s S3s S3s
13 Playa S3t S2tdc S2tdc S2tds
S3= marginally suitable, N1= currently not suitable, N2= permantly not suitable ,
ca, calcium carbonate content , d= soil depth g = gupsum content, t = soil texture ,
s= soil salnity
252 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021
Total heavy metals in the studied soils
Data in Table (5) Show the content of total heavy metals in the
studied soils in New –Valley In all locations the elements under study
(Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cd) within international limits except Cd metal
in Bulaq village in the surface layer (0 –30 cm) 5.3 mg/kg. According the
Maximum permissible level of trace elements, reported by (Kabata-
Pendias and Pendias 2001) are Cd (cadmium) 5 mg/kg, Co (cobalt) 50
mg/kg, Cr (chromium) 100 mg/kg, Cu (copper) 100 mg/kg, Ni (nickel)
100 mg/kg, Pb (lead) 100 mg/kg, and Zn (zinc) 300 mg/kg.
- Cr metal varies from 18.1 mg/kg in subsurface layer in profile 1
.(El- Moniera village) to 84.2 mg/kg in the surface layer in
profile 11. ( Bulaq village ) and follows irregular distribution in
all profiles in the studied soils except profile 4. The Cr metal
content increasing by increasing the depth of profile.
- Cu metal varies 3.9 mg/kg in subsurface layer in profile 1(20 –
45 cm) in (El –Monera village) to 39.7 mg/kg in the deepest layer
in profile 8 (Nasser Al – thawra village). Also, Cu metal follows
irregular distribution in profiles 1. But in profiles 4,6, and 8 the
content of Cu metal increased by increasing of depth of profiles.
In profile 11 the content of Cu metal decreasing by increasing the
depth of profile in the studied soils.
- Zn metal content varies from 14.7 mg/kg in subsurface layer in
profile 1(20 – 45 cm) to 66.9 mg/kg in the surface layer in profile
11. The distribution of Zn in all profile’s irregular distribution
Except profile 4 the content is fixed 21.8 mg/kg in two layers.
- Ni metal content varies from 4.9 mg/kg in subsurface layer in
profile 1 to 33.9 mg/kg in the deepest layer in profile 8. the
disruption of Ni metal is irregular except profile 4. The content of
Ni metal increased by increasing the depth in most of the studied
profiles.
- Pb metal content is the lower value in the deepest layer in profile
1. The value 1.4 mg/kg and the highest value in the surface layer
in profile 11 (18.3 mg/kg). the disruption in profiles 1,4, and 8 the
content of Pb metal decreasing by increasing the depth of profiles.
But in profiles 6 ,11 the distribution is irregular
- Cd metal content varies from 0.16 in the surface layer in profile 1
to 0.75 mg/kg in the surface layer in profile 4. In all profiles
distribution of Cd metal is irregular except profile 4 the content
increase by increasing the depth of the profile.
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 253
Table (5) Total heavy metals content (mg/kg) in the studied soils.
Cd
Pb
Ni
Fe
Zn
Cu
Cr
Depth.
(Cm )
Profile
NO.
Location
El- 1 0 - 20 22.7 7.4 38.7 6513 5.6 2.6 0.16
Monera 20-45 18.1 3.9 14.7 4782 4.9 2.1 0.25
45-80 29.1 7.4 25.8 7030 6.6 1.4 0.23
Al - 4 0-30 24.2 5.8 21.8 5505 4.9 2.6 0.75
Sharika 30-90 26.5 10.6 21.8 6522 6.5 1.7 0.23
El - 6 0 - 20 50.2 22.5 44.5 14880 20.3 4.9 0.21
kharga 20-40 59.6 25.6 57.8 18210 27.6 2.9 0.23
40-60 53.6 27.5 46.8 15040 22.2 8.8 0.22
Nasser- 8 0-25 60.2 30.9 60.7 16350 28.7 5.7 0.65
Al –
thawra
25-55 55.9 26.8 52.9 16120 24.6 5.4 0.28
55-90 68.0 34.2 62.8 20250 30.9 4.7 0.36
90-120 73.6 39.7 66.8 19880 33.9 4.2 0.55
Ganah 11 0-30 84.2 37.6 66.9 20870 31.6 18.3 0.23
and
Bulaq
30-70 56.8 33.7 53.8 10510 25.8 2.9 0.34
70-90 66.9 33.3 59.6 18620 29.2 1.6 0.64
90-120 65.4 33.9 58.9 15930 28. 2 7.2 0.56
M.P.L 100.0 100.0 300.0 100.0 100.0 5.0
(mg/kg )
Data in Table (6) show the concentration of extractable heavy
metals in the studied soils. All heavy metals concentrations are lower
than the maximum permissible level. The maximum permissible level of
extractable of trace metals in soil are the following, Pb – 6,0 mg/kg and
Cr - 6,0 mg/kg Ni – 4,0 mg/kg Co – 5.mg/kg Zn – 23,0 mg/kg Cu – 3,0
and Cd 3.0mg/kg
- Cr metal varies from 0.22 mg/kg in subsurface layer in profile 8
to 0.88 mg/kg in the surface layer in profile 6. In profiles 1,8,11
the concentration is an irregular distribution while in profile 4 the
content of Cr metal increased by increased the depth of profile,
but in profile 6 the content decreeing by increasing the depth of
profile.
- Cu metal varies from 0.19 mg/kg in deepest layer in profile 1 to
1.86 mg/kg in deepest layer in profile 6 . In profile 8, the
extractable of Cu metal is an irregular distribution. But in profile
4,6. the extractable of Cu increased by increasing the depth of the
profiles. But in profile 11 the extractable of Cu is decreasing by
increasing of profile.
- Zn metal varies from 0.21 in the deepest layer in profile 1.to 1.81
mg/kg in the surface layer in profile 1. In all profiles the
disruption of Zn metal increased by increasing the depth in the
most of the studied profiles.
- Ni metal the extractable varies from 0.04 in the deepest layer in
profile 1 to 0.89 in the subsurface layer in profile 8. In profiles
6,8,11. The disruption is an irregular. But in profiles 1, 4 the Ni
extract decreased by increasing the depth of the profile.
254 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021
- Pb metal the extractable ranges from 0.04 mg/kg in the deepest
layer in profile 1 to 0.86 mg/kg in the deepest layer in profile 11.
In profiles 6,8,11 the distribution is an irregular. But in profile 1
Pb metal the extract decreased by increasing the depth of profiles
and in profile 4 Pb metal extract increased by increasing the
depth of profile.
- Cd metal extract varies from 0.1mg/kg in the deepest layer in
profile 8 (55 - 90 cm) to 0.76 mg/kg in the sub-surface layer in
profile 8. metal extract in profiles 1,6,8 is an irregular
distribution. But in profiles 4,11 the extract decreased by
increasing the depth of profile.
Table (6) Chemical extractable heavy metals content in the studied soils.
Location Profile Depth. Cr Cu Zn Fe Ni Pb Cd
NO. (Cm) (mg/kg)
El-Monera 1 0 - 20 0.71 1.69 1.81 17.1 0.22 0.37 0.07
20-45 0.41 0.84 0.58 11.3 0.06 0.28 0.44
45-80 0.42 0.19 0.21 11.2 0.04 0.04 0.13
Al - Sharika 4 0-30 0.42 1.16 0.98 8.63 0.24 0.34 0.46
30-90 0.74 1.68 0.95 26.2 0.17 0.35 0.04
El -kharga 6 0 - 20 0.88 1.18 1.18 81.2 0.13 0.71 0.18
20-40 0.64 1.42 1.18 138.6 0.15 0.65 0.04
40-60 0.19 1.86 1.06 123.8 0.14 0.37 0.12
Nasser- Al – 8 0-25 0.44 0.96 1.10 139 0.25 0.63 0.55
thawra 25-55 0.22 0.99 1.13 120.6 0.89 0.24 0.76
55-90 0.26 0.58 1.25 141.3 0.86 0.75 0.01
90-120 0.27 0.96 1.21 97.5 0.50 0.28 0.26
Ganah and 11 0-30 0.42 1.68 1.09 103 0.55 0.65 0.66
Bulaq 30-70 0.52 0.98 1.34 75.58 0.20 0.75 0.42
70-90 0.62 0.63 1.59 36.72 0.26 0.86 0.11
90-120 0.28 0.42 1.36 73.4 0.42 0.23 0.07
M.P.L (mg/kg ) 6.0 3.0 23.0 4.0 6.0 3.0
Data in table (7) Listed trace elements content ( mg/kg ) of plants
in the studied soils. Cu metal content varies from 0.90 mg/kg in leaves of
Been in Al – Sharika village to 5.09 in root of Quinoa in Bulak village
the distribution is vertical by depth of profiles and below the maximum
permissible level according to FAO, (2006). Zn metal content the lower
value 1.02 mg/kg in Wheat grain in profile 1 and the highest value is 5.38
mg/kg in root of Qunioa in profile 11, and below the (M.P.L ) . Cr metal
content in plants in the studied soils the lower value in 0.69 in wheat
grain profile 1, but the higher value is 4.02 in the root of Qunioa in
profile 11. Ni metal content in plants the lowest value is 0.53 mg/kg in
the fruit of Qunioa in profile11 and the higher value is 2.81 mg/kg in the
root of Been in profile 4, but the content in the studied soils above the
(M.P.L) in profiles 1.4,6,8. pb metal content varies from 0.06 in fruit of
Qunioa to 1.25 mg/kg in root of Onion in profile 8. All the content below
the (M.P. L). Cd metals varies from 0.06 mg/kg in the wheat grain in
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 255
profile 1 to 2.56 mg/kg in the root of Qunioa in profile 11. and some
contents above the (M.P.L) profiles 4,6, 8 and 11.)
Table (7) Trace elements content ( mg/kg ) of plants in the studied soils.
Location. Profile
No.
Types of
plants
Cu Zn Cr Ni Pb Cd
El-Mounira 1 Wheat
stalk
2.81 2.61 1.13 2.15 0.92 0.09
Wheat
grain
1.10 1.02 0.69 0.91 0.55 0.06
El-Sarika 4 Root of
Been
3.13 3.66 2.20 2.81 1.02 0.13
Stalk of
Been
1.09 2.11 1.15 1.05 0.83 0.81
Leaves of
Been
0.90 1.12 0.92 0.80 0.55 0.33
El - kharga 6 Root of
Quinoa
4.22 4.52 3.56 2.41 1.06 1.55
Leaves of
Quinoa
3.24 3.12 1.25 1.09 0.89 1.01
Fruit of
Quinoa
1.26 1.56 0.89 0.95 0.53 0.76
Nasser-Al –
thawra
8 Root of
onion
3.14 4.52 2.01 2.11 1.25 1.08
Stalk of
onion
2.55 1.99 1.11 0.74 0.59 0.09
Ganah and
Bulaq
11 Root of
Quinoa
5.09 5.38 4.02 1.06 1.03 2.56
Leaves of
Quinoa
3.17 3.57 3.21 0.92 0.84 1.84
Fruit of
Quinoa
1.87 1.95 1.28 0.53 0.06 0.46
M.P.L
(mg/kg)
40.0 60.0 20.0 1.5 5.0 0.3
Translocation (TF) and Biological accumulation coefficient
Translocation factors ( TF) transfer the metals from soil or roots to
shoot (Ma, et al 2001) TF = Metal in shoot /Metal in soil or root .
BAC : Determine the ability of the plant to up take the metal from soil.
BAC : metal in shoot / metal in soil .
Data in table (8) represent the translocation factor and biological
accumulation factor of (Cu) metal in the vegetables' which grown in the
studied soil. Translocation factor in all vegetables in all profiles >1 and (
BAF ) > 1 this means occur transfer and accumulate high percent of
Copper metal from contaminated soil to vegetables' which considered as
a hyper accumulators (Blalyock and Huang (2005). Variation of metal
translocation and uptake due to different concentration of metal in soil,
organic matter, pH, in soil, age of plant as mentioned (Khan, et al 2015).
Translocation factor (TF) and biological accumulation coefficient
(BAC) of Cu, Zn and Cr (mg/kg) Table (8). Wheat stalks the translocation
factor (TF) and bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC) for Cu, Zn and Cr in El-
256 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021
Mounira village (Profile 1) both factors > 1, this means to the wheat stalk is
accumulated by Cu, Zn and Cr. But in wheat grain both factors < 1 in Cu
and Zn metals. These results indicated that no accumulation in grains by Cu,
Zn and Cr thus the wheat grain is safe in food chain. However, roots of Been
in El-Sarika village the translocation factor and bioaccumulation coefficient
(BAC) for Cu, Zn and Cr > 1 so the roots of Bean are hyper accumulators by
three elements. But in stalk and leaves of Been both factors these results indicated that accumulation by Cu metal. While in Zn and Cr
metals both factors >1 thus the accumulation occur by few degrees. Roots
and leaves of Qunioa in El – kharga village (profile 6) both factor TF and
BAC > 1, in three elements these results indicated that the roots and leaves
of Qunioa consider as a hyper accumulator by Cu, Zn and Cr metals and
reached the toxicity indirectly to the food chain. While in fruits of Qunioa
both factor <1, indicated that no accumulation by Cu in fruits of Qunioa and
become safe to food chain. While the fruits in Zn and Cr metals the both
factor > 1 by few degrees, but the accumulation is very small. Roots and
stalk of Onion Nasser-Al -thawra village (profile 8) translocation and
Bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC) > 1 by higher degrees, these data
indicated the Onion as a hyper accumulator by Cu, Zn and Cr metals and
must be reached directly to the food chain and become hazard to the healthy.
Roots, leaves and fruits of Qunioa in Ganah and Bulaq in (profile 11) the
both factor > 1, these data indicated that the Qunioa plants are hyperaccumulators
by Cu, Zn and Cr metals.
Table (8): Translocation factor (TF) and biological accumulation
coefficient (BAC) of Cu, Zn and Cr (mg/kg)
Location
Pro.
No.
Types of
plants
Cu
in
soil
Cu
in
plants
T.F
of Cu
BAC
of
Cu
Zn
in
soil
Zn
in
plants
T.F
of
Zn
BAC
of Zn
Cr in
soil
Cr
in
plants
T.F
of Cr
BAC
of Cr
El-
Mounira
1
Wheat stalk
1.69
2.81 1.66 1.66
1.18
2.61 1.44 1.44
0.71
1.13 1.59 1.59
Wheat grain 1.10 0.65 0.65 1.02 0.56 0.56 0.69 0.97 0.97
El-
Sarika
4
Root of Been
1.51
3.13 2.07 2.07
0.96
3.66 3.81 3.81
0.63
2.20 3.49 3.49
Stalk of Been 1.09 0.72 0.72 2.11 2.20 2.20 1.15 1.83 1.83
Leaves of
Been
0.90 0.60 0.60 1.12 1.16 1.16 0.92 1.46 1.46
El –
kharga
6
Root of
Quinoa
1.49
4.22 2.83 2.83
1.14
4.52 3.96 3.96
0.57
3.56 6.25 6.25
Leaves of
Quinoa
3.24 2.17 2.17 3.12 2.74 2.74 1.25 2.19 2.19
Fruit of
Quinoa
1.26 0.85 0.85 1.56 1.37 1.37 0.89 1.56 1.56
Nasser-
Al –
thawra
8
Root of onion
0.25
3.14 12.56 12.56
1.10
4.52 4.11 4.11
0.44
2.01 4.57 4.57
Stalk of onion 2.55 10.20 10.20 1.99 1.81 1.81 1.11 2.52 2.52
Ganah
and Bulaq
11
Root of
Quinoa
0.96
5.09 5.30 5.30
1.32
5.38 4.08 4.08
0.45
4.02 8.93 8.93
Leaves of
Quinoa
3.17 3.30 3.30 3.57 2.70 2.70 3.21 7.13 7.13
Fruit of
Quinoa
1.87 1.94 1.94 1.95 1.48 1.48 1.28 2.84 2.84
TF : metals in shoot /metals in soil ( Or Root) BAF : metal in shoot /metals in soil
. (Ma, et al 2001)
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 257
Data in table (9) listed the translocation factor (TF) and biological
accumulation coefficient (BAC) of Ni, pb and Cd (mg/kg) in the studied
soils. Wheat stalk and grain the translocation factor (TF) and
Bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC) for Ni, pb and Cd in El-Mounira
village (Profile 1) both factors > 1 this means to the wheat stalk and grain
are hyper -accumulators by Ni, pb and Cd so must be reached directly or
indirectly to the food chain. But in wheat grain both factors < 1 in Cd
metals, these results indicated that an accumulation in grains by Cd, thus
the wheat grain are safe in food chain. Roots, leaves and stalk of Been in
El-Sarika village (profile 4) the translocation factor and Bioaccumulation
coefficient (BAC) for Ni, pb and Cd > 1 so the roots, leaves and stalk of
faba bean are hyper accumulators by three elements. But in the leaves of
Been both factors accumulation by Cd metal. Roots leaves and fruits of Qunioa in El –
kharga village (profile 6) both factor TF and BAC > 1 in (Ni, pb, Cd )
elements thus the roots leaves and fruits of Qunioa as an hyper
accumulators by Ni, pb and Cd metals and reached the toxicity directly or
indirectly to the food chain. Except in fruits of Qunioa both factor no accumulation by pb in fruits of Qunioa and become safe to food chain.
Table (9): Translocation factor (TF) and biological accumulation
coefficient (BAC) of Ni , pb and Cd (mg/kg )
Location Pro.
No.
Types of
plants
Ni
in
soil
Ni
in
plant
s
T.F
of Ni
BAC
of
Ni
Pb
in
soil
Pb
in
plant
s
T.F
of
Pb
BAC
of
Pb
Cd
in
soil
Cd
in
plants
T.F
of
Cd
BAC
of Cd
El-
Mounira
1 Wheat stalk
0.22
2.15 9.77 9.77
0.37
0.92 2.49 2.49
0.07
0.09 1.29 1.29
Wheat grain 0.91 4.14 4.14 0.55 1.49 1.49 0.06 0.86 0.86
El-Sarika 4 Root of Been
0.20
2.81 14.05 14.05
0.35
1.02 2.91 2.91
0.18
0.81 4.50 4.50
Stalk of Been 1.05 5.25 5.25 0.83 2.37 2.37 0.33 1.83 1.83
Leaves of
Been
0.80 4.00 4.00 0.55 1.57 1.57 0.13 0.72 0.72
El -
kharga
6 Root of
Quinoa
0.14
2.41 17.21 17.21
0.58
1.06 1.83 1.83
0.18
1.55 8.61 8.61
Leaves of
Quinoa
1.09 7.79 7.79 0.89 1.53 1.53 1.01 5.61 5.61
Fruit of
Quinoa
0.95 6.79 6.79 0.53 0.91 0.91 0.76 4.22 4.22
Nasser-Al
–thawra
8 Root of onion
0.96
2.11 3.27 3.27
0.63
1.25 1.98 1.98
0.76
1.08 0.83 0.82
Stalk of onion 0.74 2.65 2.65 0.59 0.94 0.94 0.09 0.12 0.12
Ganah
and
Bulaq
11 Root of
Quinoa
0.47
1.06 2.25 2.25
0.83
1.03 1.24 1.24
0.66
2.56 3.88 3.88
Leaves of
Quinoa
0.92 1.96 1.96 0.84 1.01 1.01 1.84 2.79 2.79
Fruit of
Quinoa
0.53 1.13 1.13 0.06 0.07 0.07 0.46 0.70 0.70
TF : metals in shoot /metals in soil ( Or Root) BAF : metal in shoot /metals in soil .
(Ma, et al 2001)
For roots and stalk of Onion Nasser-Al –thawra village (profile 8)
translocation and bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC) > 1 in Ni and pb
metals by higher degree so the Onion as a hyper-accumulator by Ni, pb
and Cd metals and must be reached directly to the food chain and become
258 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021
hazarded to the healthy. Except the stalk of Onion, no accumulation by
pb and Cd metals. Roots, leaves and fruits of Qunioa in Ganah and Bulaq
in (profile 11) the both factor > 1 thus the Qunioa plants are hyperaccumulators
by Ni, pb and Cd metals. But the fruits of Qunioa both
factors < 1 so no accumulation of Ni, pb and Cd in the fruits of Qunioa in
the studied soils
Water Wells Suitability for Irrigation
The conductivity of irrigation water is between 585.0 and 926.0 μS
cm-1, with an average of 728.0 μS cm-1, indicating non-saline to
moderate salinity. The conductivity results in Table 10 show that the
salinity of all irrigation wells is less than 1,000 μS cm-1, and the SAR is
less than 10. These results indicated that quality irrigation water is good.
Heavy metal contents viz., Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ni, Co, Pb, Cd and Cr in
water samples were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic
emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). From the results given, it appears that
a large part of the heavy metals is in the protected range of the water
system, while the iron and manganese groups are expected to increase,
yet inside the protected scope of water system.
Table (10): Chemical properties of water irrigation samples in the
studied soils (mg/l ).
Location pH EC TDS,
mg/l
Ca,
mg/l
Mg,
mg/l
Na,
mg/l
K,
mg/l
CO3 ,
mg/l
HCO3,
mg/l
SO4,
mg/l
Cl ,
mg/l
SAR
El Monera 8 728 428 30.51 8.89 98 28 Nil 207.4 41.082 117.45 4.01
El Sherka 7.9 585 337 28.06 10.48 68 25 Nil 176.9 19.174 97.87 2.78
El kargah 6.4 822 496.3 44 31.4 50 38 Nil 85.4 172.7 117.4 1.41
Nasser 6.2 926 573.2 51.4 34.6 65 36 Nil 85.4 201.6 141.9 1.72
Bulaq 7.2 709 428 29.01 11.8 96 22 Nil 195.2 74.022 97.87 3.8
Trace and heavy elements
Location Cd,
mg/l
Co
mg/l
Cr,
mg/l
Cu,
mg/l
Fe
mg/l
Ma
mg/l
Mo,
mg/l
Ni,
mg/l
Zi,
mg/l
El Monerah 0.0365 El Sherka 0.0176 El kargah Nasser 0.0356 Bulak 0.0255 CONCLUSION
Based on geomorphological units of the studied soil profiles, the
studied area could be classified to (pedilpain, playa and sand sheets) soil
mapping units. Except for sand sheets unit, the high level of water table
in the lands representing the different soil units is a problem that
necessitates drainage and periodic analyses of soil salinity. Consulting
the land suitability system for certain crops, MICROLESS reveals that
the study area is suitable (S2) and moderately suitable (S3) in some soils
for a wide range of crops such as annual and semi-annual and perennial
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 259
crops. Quinoa is one of the crops that is suitable for different soil units,
and it is more productive in pedilpain and playa and less productive in
sandy lands. Total heavy metals contents in the studied soils in pediplain,
playa and sand sheets units (Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cd) within
international limits except Cd metal in some surface layers. The greater
part of the chose yields like wheat, Faba beans, onions and quinoa, the
aftereffects of the weighty metals content of root, stalk, leaves and fruit
of Quinoa showed that they are in safe limits. The results presented in the
study show an accumulation of certain elements, whether in the roots or
leaves, and sometimes in grains such as beans, wheat and quinoa. Despite
the accumulation of these elements such as, nickel, cadmium and lead,
they are within safe limits for human consumption.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The research presented in this paper has been done within the
project “Smart agriculture project and the development of quinoa
cultivation systems in the New Valley- Egypt. which is funded by
International Center for Bio-saline Agriculture (ICBA) and Desert
Research Center, Egypt. The authors appreciate the efforts and assistance
of . Dr. Shreen Mansour, the Principal Investigator of this project.
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تقييم ملاءمة التربة والموارد المائية للمحاصيل المختلفة
في الخارجة -الوادى الجديد – مصر
) أحمد سيد أحمد سيد ) 1( ، عبدالسلام علوة) 2( ، ياسر عبدالهادى) 3
-1 قسم البيدولوجى – شعبة مصادر المياه والا ا رضى الصح ا روية
2– شعبة مصادر المياه والا ا رضى الصح ا روية
3– شعبة مصادر المياه والا ا رضى الصح ا روية
تقع واحات الخارجة في الصح ا رء الغربية لمصر. تم اختيار قرى المنيرة والشرکة وناصر
الثورة وجناح وشرق ب ولاق بالإضافة الى مدينة الخارجة لمد ا رسة. اليدف من البحث الحالي ىو
تقييم قدرة الأرض وملاءمة المحاصيل السنوية ونصف السنوية والمعمرة لمز ا رعة .بالإضافة إلى
تقييم التموث بالمعادن الثقيمة لمتربة والمحاصيل ومياه الري. تشير البيانات التي تم الحصول
Sand Sheet و Pedilpain عمييا إلى أن ال وحدات الجيومورفولوجية الأرضية الرئيسية ىي
( Sys (: تم استخدام نظامين لتقييم قدرة التربة المدروسة لمز ا رعة ىما أولا . Playa. و
ومدى ملائمتيا لمز ا رعة بمحاصيل مختمفة CERVATANA وثانيا نموذج &Verhey
أشارت النتائج إلى أن تربة واحات ELMAGRAH-MicroLEIS-DSS باستخدام نموذج
( Sys ( باستخدام (N وغير مناسبة حاليًا .( 1 (S الخارجة تنتمي إلى فئة مناسبة ىامشيًا ( 3
مناسبة CERVATANA بينما تعتبر فئات قدرة الأرض التي تستخدم نموذج &Verhey
تم تقسيم المنطقة قيد التحقيق إلى فئتين من فئات الملاءمة النسبية (S3 I). بشکل ىامشي
کانت القيود ( (S ومناسب ىامشيًا .( 3 (S لز ا رعة المحاصيل المختمفة ؛ الى )مناسب ( 2
الرئيسية ىي العمق الفعال ، والقوام ، والصرف ، والمموحة ، وکربونات الکالسيوم ، ونسبة
Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021 263
الصوديوم المتبادل. سيؤدي تصحيح ىذه العوامل إلى تحسين قدرة الأرض ومدى ملاءمتيا
للإنتاجية. تمت د ا رسة ت ا رکم المعادن الثقيمة ، مثل الکروم ، والنحاس ، والزنک ، والنيکل ،
والرصاص ، والکادميوم في التربة ومياه الري ونباتات المحاصيل المزروعة بشکل شائع )القمح
والفول والکينوا( في الحقول التي مثمت الجيومورفولوجية الرئيسية. الوحدات. کانت مياه الري في
مواقع ممحية مختمفة وجيدة لمز ا رعة، ولا توجد بيا مخاطر صوديوم. آبار المياه العميقة في
الوادي الجديد يوجد بيا زيادة في عنصري الحديد والمنجنيز ، وي ا رعى عند استخدام أنظمة الري
الحديثة. کما أوضحت النتائج أن مستويات المعادن الثقيمة في مياه الري کانت ضمن النطاق
في عينات التربة Cd و Pb و Ni و Zn و Cu و Cr المقبول. کان المحتوى الإجمالي ل
السطحية أعمى منو في عينات باطن الأرض ، مما يشير إلى مصدر تموث بشري. من ناحية
أخرى ، أظيرت المعادن الثقيمة الرئيسية مستويات تم وث منخفضة في التربة. تم تحديد معامل
لکل عناص ا رلد ا رسة في التربة وکانت النتائج (BAC) ومعامل الت ا رکم البيولوجي (TF) الأنتقال
تؤکد ان معدل الانتقال والت ا رکم فى الجزور والساق والاو ا رق اکبر من معدل الت ا رکم فى الثمار إلا
انو يحدث ت ا رکم فى بعض الثمار فى بعض القطاعات مما يکون سبب فى حدوث السمية وتنتقل
الى سمسمة الغذاء إما مباشرة او غير مباشرة .
264 Egypt. J. of Appl. Sci., 36 (7-8) 2021