Soil Characteristics and Classification at Maytm area in the city of Ibb, Yemen

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate the morphological and physio-chemical characteristics as well as classification of soil in Maytam area located at Ibb Governorate, Yemen. For this purpose, geomorphologic map was produced using remote sensing (RS) and GIS technology. Four soil profiles were selected. The land and profiles were morphologically described and then soil samples were collected according to the vertical variations for integrated physical and chemical analyses. The site observations indicated that, the whole topography of Maytam is graduated mountainous complex stepwise plain terraces with nearly level terraces surface. The studied soils have very high elevations varied widely as average of 1880 m. at Maytam (a. s. l.). These soils are deep and mostly well drained. The soils have manily slightly gravelly loam to gravelly loamy sand texture. Also, the soils have mostly moderate sub- angular blocky structure with hard to extremely hard (dry) and friable to firm (moist) consistence. The main hue notation of soil color is 10YR but some profile horizons in Maytam. All studied soils are non- saline having mildly alkaline reaction. OM is low and decreases with depth. CaCO3 content is mostly low and varies between studied profiles of different with random distribution throughout their depth. Gypsum is low without clear distribution through soil profiles. CEC is mainly correlated with fine fractions and organic matter contents. ESP in the most of studied soils is lower then 15% are classified under Entisols according to soil Survey Staff (2010). The others that have Natric diagnostic horizon are affillated to Aridisols