Soil degradation assessment using FAO/UNEP, (1978) and (1979) for some agricultural areas west of Anbar Governorate

Abstract

Three regions were selected, and one of the key variables influencing agricultural development is thought to be soil deterioration.  region Zangora  7.10 km2 (16.08%), region Al-Qataniya  16.25km2 (36.80%), and Douar region  20.81km2 (47.12%), covering an area of approximately (44.16 km2) in Anbar Governorate are the regions that serve as a model for the remaining regions ,the majority of which are affected by various factors of deterioration. In order to prevent soil deterioration, recognize it, and take effective action to stop it, agricultural soil is being monitored in order to maintain its health.  Through the use of spatial methodologies and field surveys, the vulnerability of the soils in a few agricultural regions in the Anbar Governorate to deterioration has been evaluated. Both chemical (salinization - sodicity) and physical (ground water rise - compaction) methods are used to evaluate soil degradation. With the use of satellite data and field survey methods, five primary categories of land degradation were discovered. Using geographic information systems techniques, the International Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/United Nations Environment Program (1978–1979) approach was used to evaluate land degradation. The results showed that the main types of degradation in the study area are caused by humans and pertain to salinity and alkalinity (sodicity). The state of waterlogging and compaction. Fieldwork conducted in the years 2022–2023 yielded soil data for the research region. Through a free-flowing survey, eight primary soil sites representing the principal land forms that predominated in the research area were identified. Samples were gathered.  The data show that salt and water logging are the most active soil deterioration mechanisms, alkalinity, and urban sprawl. The human factor had a clear impact on the land degradation processes. The actual danger is in terms of inappropriate soil management, intensive irrigation procedures, the use of heavy machinery and the absence of maintenance measures. It was noted that there isProductivity has a negative association with both salinity and alkalinity. As a result, it was necessary to take the precautions prevent the deterioration of those qualities by improving soil management, such as adding washing requirements or increasing the efficiency of drainage networks, in order to achieve the highest productivity and ensure long-term use of the soil. The current and future state of land degradation in the study area is characterized by a lack of adequate land use planning and management.