Soil Suitability Assessment for Rice Cultivation in the Northwestern Coast, Egypt

El-Hassanin, Adel S.; Ali, Rafat Ramadan; Hassanein, Sayed Ahmed; Ahmed, Abd Al Rahman S.

doi:10.21608/agro.2025.350573.1604

Soil Suitability Assessment for Rice Cultivation in the Northwestern Coast, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Natural Resources Department, Fac. African Postgraduate Studies., Cairo Univ., Egypt

² Soils and Water Use Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt

³ Cairo university

10.21608/agro.2025.350573.1604

Abstract

This study employs geospatial technologies, including remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to evaluate land resources for rice cultivation in the northwestern coastal region. The analysis incorporates field investigations and laboratory tests to examine key soil properties such as salinity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), calcium carbonate content, and soil depth. These parameters are critical for assessing land suitability for rice cultivation. The study area includes diverse geomorphological units like aeolian, coastal, deltaic, and lacustrine plains, as well as pediment and plateau landscapes. Findings reveal significant limitations to rice cultivation due to salinity, alkalinity, and poor drainage, especially in deltaic and lacustrine plains, where land is predominantly classified as unsuitable (N). Moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3) lands were identified, covering 37% and 35% of the total area, respectively. The Current Capability Index (CCI) and Potential Capability Index (PCI) indicate opportunities for enhancing soil productivity through targeted interventions, such as salinity mitigation, soil amendments, and optimized irrigation systems. The integration of GIS and remote sensing enables detailed spatial mapping of land degradation and potential improvements, offering a comprehensive framework for sustainable agricultural development. By promoting the use of rice varieties and advanced farming practices, this study provides actionable insights for addressing food security challenges in arid and semi-arid environments. These findings are pivotal for policymakers and planners to optimize land use and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in the region.

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