RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LANDFORMS an‎d SOIL CHARACTERISTICS IN BAHARIYA OASIS, EGYPT

Bahariya Oasis is a natural depression located in the western desert of Egypt. The whole region is under hot arid condition. The images and GIS capabilities were used to generate soil maps. Six landforms were identified and soils availability of groundwater in the depression initiated cultivation of date palms and the associated industrial and economic activities. Due to abundant groundwater, the lands there gave indications of promising agricultural expansion. Study of the landforms and soils associated with them can give a general survey of soil characteristics. Landsat occupying are studied. The landforms include; plains, depression floor with low, moderately high and high lands, Mesa and plateau, and pediplains. Studying their morphological, chemical and physical characteristics, the soils were classified under the following taxa; Haplogypsids, Haplosalids, Calcisalids, Gypsisalids, Calcigypsisalids, Torriorthents and Torripsamments. Calcium and gypsum accumulations are found in saline soils in most of the soils. In the low lands, drainage may have serious problems. The presence of groundwater and the problem of drainage are common in most of the depressions. The challenge is to be aware of the problem and to design a proper and appropriate soil and water management system.