Geochemical characteristics of soils in Fezzan, Sahara desert: Implications for environment and agriculture

摘要: Abstract An investigation was conducted to geochemically characterize the soils in Fezzan of Sahara desert order assess (a) role as a carbon store, (b) potential risk fine-grained soil fraction dust source, and (c) constraints for development irrigation agriculture. The results show that, on average, there about 0.7% stored topsoil with approximately 1/3 being inorganic 2/3 organic carbon. contained 2.13% Fe 252 mg/kg phosphorus, indicating that area could be an important source ocean iron phosphorus. Manganese strontium were identified major chemical pollutants potentially present dusts. generally alkaline saline. Sodium dominated soluble basic cations mean sodium adsorption ratio > 16. Calcium exchangeable percentage 6.52, suggesting most topsoils not sodic. However, tendency sodicity increased depth some soils. Different strategies are proposed reclaiming using groundwater from Great Man-made River Project.