Request for Soil and Water Maps
Associated Documents:
Iraq Soils Map
Question:
What are the soil types and soil analysis data for several locations in and around the Taji and Abu Ghraib area. Soil maps of the areas would be great that would indicate soil texture and site descriptions. Their PH levels, the typical depth to subsurface water and major acquifers. Obviously, the quality of water and typical seepage rates relative to estimating pumping capacity needed for shallow wells in this area would be critical information especially in eastern Taji Nahia. This is needed to influence the fall planting cycle that is upon us.
Response :
The following is an approximate response based only on the minimum information received from LTC Fitzgerald, available maps, and general supporting data. I URGE THAT ACTUAL SOIL AND WATER SAMPLES BE COLLECTED AND ANALYSIS BE PERFORMED to validate the attributes of the sites in question.
1. Soils of Abu Ghraib and Taji Areas: From the available FAO soil map of Iraq (attached and I ask that Cody/Chris post it as part of the database), the soil at both locations is on a riverplain and called "RIVERBASIN SOIL, SILTED PHASE". This corresponds to ENTISOLS in the U.S. Soil Taxonomy. Such soils are of recent geologic origin and their profiles are deep and mostly uniform with depth, showing little or no differentiation into horizons. The dominant texture in both locations is likely SILTY CLAY to CLAY, reflecting 20% or less sand fraction, about 40 to 50% silt and 30 to 50% clay. Soil pH IN THESE AREAS IS USUALLY HIGH, above 7.5 and can be as high as 8.3!). The soils are inherently productive but HISTORIC USE HAS RENDERED MANY OF THEM TO BE SALINE(Solonchack) as well.
2. Water: Surface water is highly preferred for use in irrigation. Water tables are usually high (depths to subsurface water are shallow) but are also salt-affected so their pumping and re-use for irrigation (by tube-wells, etc) should be carefully managed. In any case, well-designed drainage provisions are a must!I hope this will help for now and look forward to assisting with further details as questions get more specific.