Study of some soils South El-Amiria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt using two soil classification systems

Abstract
A pilot area south El-Amiria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt was studied by using remote sensing techniques to define its main physiographic units. The soil studies were carried out by two classification systems; USDA (USDA, 2014) and FAO (FAO, 2006 b). The area locates between longitudes 29o47`55``and 30o 30`05`` East and latitudes 29o29`30`` and 30o30` 05`` North and comprise an area of about 571168 Feddan. Two physiographic units were recognized in the studied area as follows: I) Lacustrine plains, which includes four sub-units differ in their soil depths, i.e., moderately deep, deep, very deep, and rock outcrops. 2)Windblown sand, which includes three sub-units, i.e.sand sheets soils, BarchanDunes and Barchan dunes with partial CaCO3 cementations. By comparing the two systems of soil classification used in this study, it is observed that FAO system (FAO, 2006 b) includes different levels of soil properties which have a direct effect on soil reclamation, suitability and land use. On the other hand, USDA system (USDA, 2014) gives importance for texture, mineralogy, soil temperature …etc. in family level which adds more detailed information for soil management. Consequently, applications of the two classification systems, is necessary or preferable due to their compilation.