TITLE:
The Effect of Some Soil Physical and Chemical Properties on Soil Aggregate Stability in Different Locations in Sulaimani and Halabja Governorate
AUTHORS:
Salahaddin Abdulqadir Aziz, Saman Mahmood Karim
KEYWORDS:
Aggregate Stability, Organic Matter, Some Physical and Chemical Properties, Soil Consistency Limits
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Soil Science,
Vol.6 No.4,
April
25,
2016
ABSTRACT: Some soil
properties were studied in relation soil aggregate along a climatologically
region and different crop land use in the Northeast of Sulaimani City/Kurdistan
Region of Iraq. Five locations were selected along these regions ranging from
semiarid to sub-humid climatologically conditions. The soil physical, chemical
properties, aggregate stability and size distribution were analyzed. A
mean-weight-diameter (MWD) value was determined on 5 soils, which was the sum
of the percentage of soil on each sieve (6, 3, 1.5, 0.75, 0.375 and 0.125 mm). The
results of the measurements could evaluated with linear correlation
coefficients for the relationships between aggregate stability (MWD) and soil
physical and chemical properties of the different crop land use. The
correlation coefficient for the relationship between aggregate stability and
organic matter was highly significant (P [1]. Generally large aggregates (large 6, 3, 3 - 1.5 mm) were present in
highest proportions in the most semiarid of the studied areas. Aggregates 0.75 -
0.125 mm were positively correlated to fine, very fine sand and silt fractions
and to organic matter. Stability of aggregates showed a positive correlation
with clay content and organic matter content, while the carbonate content was
strongly correlated with aggregate stability. The land use history affecting
soil overlaps the pattern of climatological situations and cultivated crop
lands and has to be taken into account. Aggregate size distribution and
stability can be used as indicator of soil conservation and productivity.