An oasis soil reference collection for the identification and study of ancient cultivated soils in arid environments (Oasis of Masafi, United Arab Emirates)

Abstract

Oasis soils result from the combined action of natural and anthropic processes, and thus constitute valuable systems for the understanding of human–environment trajectories over the millennia. The present research aims to develop the study of ancient oasis soils by identifying proxies to detect past agricultural practices. Ten reference pits were dug in Masafi, in both cultivated plots (irrigated plots with palm trees/fruit trees/cereals; manure/ashes/carbonates) and abandoned ones. Bulk sediment samples were analysed for geochemistry/pedo‐sedimentary studies: inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry, loss on ignition, pH, electrical conductivity, grain size and magnetic susceptibility. This multiproxy approach enabled the creation of a soil typology of oasis agricultural modes. Irrigation and liming lead to salinisation, particularly in a B‐horizon. Manure creates a hortic horizon, enriched in P and Zn. Ashes can be detected with a simultaneous increase of magnetic and salinity values. Soils in plots with fruit trees/cereals are not distinguishable from those with palm monoculture. Weathering was identified on the basis of the enrichment in Al, Ti, K Na, Ni, Cr and Fe, whereas proxies of ancient practices seem to be preserved after 15 years of abandonment. As leaching processes appear to be limited to the first 50 cm, the durability of soil signatures depends on how they were buried.

Soil Salinity Assessment and Characterization in Abandoned Farmlands of Metouia Oasis, South Tunisia

“…The EC data showed that soils of abandoned plots in the Metouia Oasis were ch acterized as highly saline. Our results are consistent with those of Costa et al [5], w reported extremely high values of salinity in abandoned soils of the oasis of Masafi in United Arab Emirates. Gopalakrishnan and Kumar [6] also reported extremely sal soils in permanently abandoned paddy lands in the semi-arid region of the Jaffna P insula, Sri Lanka.…”

Oasis agriculture revitalization and carbon sequestration for climate-resilient communities

“…To combat soil erosion and degradation, oasis farmers implement soil conservation measures such as terracing, contour bunding, and agroforestry. These practices help stabilize soils, retain moisture, and improve soil structure (Costa et al, 2021;Yang et al, 2021).…”

Untitled

“…Some efforts have also been made to develop models to quantify pedogenetic trends associated with environmental change (e.g., Yaalon, 1975;Sheldon and Tabor, 2009). An essential application of paleopedology has been devoted to solving archaeological problems, as soils can be considered repositories of human activities: agriculture, forestry, material for construction or ceramic production, dwelling and householding (Holliday, 2009;Costa et al, 2021;Yalçın et al, 2021).…”