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Land degradation indicators in Kuwait
Author(s) -
AlAwadhi J. M.,
Omar S. A.,
Misak R. F.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
land degradation and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1099-145X
pISSN - 1085-3278
DOI - 10.1002/ldr.666
Subject(s) - environmental science , overgrazing , soil retrogression and degradation , land degradation , hydrology (agriculture) , soil compaction , vegetation (pathology) , aeolian processes , arid , infiltration (hvac) , erosion , land cover , soil fertility , soil salinity , land use , soil science , soil water , geology , agronomy , grazing , geography , geotechnical engineering , civil engineering , pathology , geomorphology , meteorology , biology , engineering , medicine , paleontology
In arid regions, such as Kuwait, land degradation is exacerbated by the scarcity of rainfall and intensive wind and water erosion. In Kuwait seven land degradation indicators were recognized and described. These are: soil erosion by wind and/or water; deterioration of vegetation cover; soil crusting and sealing; soil compaction; soil contamination by oil; and soil salinization. Four areas in Kuwait, namely Al Mutlaa, Ras Al‐Sabiyah, Sulaibiyah and Ahmadi‐Al‐Dahr, were studied to assess the extent and magnitude of land degradation. Remote sensing images and the following parameters were investigated in each area: vegetation cover; soil bulk density; infiltration capacity; and top soil resistance. The areas showed significant variations in vegetation cover, and increase in erosion by wind and water and soil compaction. Based on the percentage of vegetation cover and the physical properties of the soil, three classes of land degradation are identified. These classes are: severe; moderate; and slight. Overgrazing was shown as a main cause of land degradation, followed by military operations, quarrying and camping. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.