Variation Of Water Retention In Various Soils Of Kuwait

Abstract

Soil properties varied in water retention; due to soil texture and organic matter content. Variations of texture in many soils are effected mostly to soil forming factors of parent materials of the soil, biological activities, climactic variation, and duration of soil reaction. While the organic matter contents are affected totally by the environmental conditions of the soils. Water holding capacity of different soils influences plants growth and development in diverse soil characteristics of the world and determines soil productivity. Water resources for agricultural activities are limited, particularly in arid environment and soil water holding capacity of arid soil is very low. Kuwait can be good example of arid environment with limited water resources for agriculture activities and possess soil of coarse texture with very low organic matter content (Anonymous, 1997). Agricultural development in Kuwait meets many problems for crop production and urban landscaping. Water resources are limited and the quality is deteriorating at the same time soil water holding capacity is very low. Enormous amount of water, particularly desalinated expensive water is wasted for agricultural activities. This paper will study various parts of Kuwaiti soils water holding capacity and develop water retention data for efficient water irrigation and improvement of plant growth.

Keywords:

• Retention
• Texture
• Organic Matter
• Parent Materials
• Water Holding Capacity
• Crop Production
• Urban Landscape