Spatial Assessment and Variability of Soil Properties on the Saiq Plateau, Oman

The Al-Hajar mountain range is a special environment in northeastern Oman and possesses a number of threatened plant and animal species. Recent development projects and other human activities have the potential of causing serious disturbance to the natural environment. Fundamental to conserving this region is maintaining a healthy soil environment. This study examined spatial variability of soil properties in the Saiq Plateau of Oman by collecting a total of 45 samples at different sites. These sites were divided into agricultural and non-agricultural (such as Natural, Dam and Wadi) locations. Soil samples were analyzed for particle size, pH, EC, water-soluble content of Na, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, B, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb, V, Cl, NO₃, PO₄, and SO₄, and total content was measured for Ca, Mg, Na, K, Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb, V, and Cr. No Fe, B, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cd, V, and P occurred in the water-soluble fraction. The results indicate that soil EC and NO₃ are highest next to dams with a positive correlation between NO₃ and Cl. Factor analysis suggests chloride, and sulfate salts as a source of soil salinity. Heavy metals were found in normal concentrations and analysis indicates that lithogenic processes control their presence and variability in soils.