Evaluation of Soil Resources and Groundwater Exploration for Precision Agriculture in Wadi El-‎Madamude, East Luxor, Upper Egypt‎

Abstract

To boost agricultural production, decision-makers must learn which crops are ideal for certain land types based on soil, water, and environmental variables. The research was carried out in the 150000 Faddan (≈ 630.3 km 2 ) at Wadi El-Madamude, east Luxor, Upper Egypt, to properly evaluate the water and soil resources to select the best crop for the soil type. Accordingly, a qualitative desert land potentiality evaluation (QLDLPE) was combined with a qualitative desert land aptness for crops (QLDLAC) to find the best crop for each soil type. Four landforms were researched in Wadi El-Madamude: old Nile terraces, Bajada Plain, midland, and upland. Groundwater across Wadi El-Madamude was assessed for its quality through geophysical studies. The research region of Wadi El-Madamue relies on the River Nile surface and groundwater for irrigation. Wadi El-Madamude has two groundwater aquifers: the shallow Quaternary Aquifer and the deeper Plio-Pleistocene Aquifer. High-quality River Nile water in the research region has a salinity of 175 mg/l. Groundwater salinity begins at 449 mg/l in the east and reaches 1518 mg/l near the Nile, originating from the Quaternary Aquifer. Salinity and rising water table hurt old Nile terraces due to improper irrigation and high salinity groundwater in the thick silty clay unit. Four mapping units were mapped over Wadi El-Madamude based on soil and terrain features. The analyzed Wadi lands were categorized into three categories based on QLDLPE methodologies: high (30%), moderate (38%), and low potential land (32%). These classes were re-evaluated for different agricultural land utilization types (LUTs) based on soil type and meteorological data using the QLDLAC technique. Most climate-smart crops and fruit trees were recommended for high-potential lands (45000 Faddan) on the Bajada Plain as the first priority for agricultural activity. In contrast, moderate potential lands were divided into two LUTs: 39000 Faddan on old Nile terraces for salt-tolerant crops and trees for second priority and 18000 Faddan on midland for only moderately deeprooted crops for third priority. Low potential areas were excluded from agricultural development as non-agricultural lands due to severe restrictions such as flash flooding, soil erosion, shallowness, and low fertility. The old Nile terraces were damaged by rising water tables and increased soil salinity due to elevated groundwater caused by flood irrigation of recently reclaimed regions. Sustainable management in Wadi El-Madamude advised covering the soil with crops or plants to generate high returns with minimal inputs. It was determined and suggested that the priority order for agricultural expansion in Wadi El-Madamude should be based on the value added by climate-smart crops. The qualitative land evaluation approaches recommended precision agrarian management and climate-smart crops to enhance soil and water qualities in Wadi El-Madamude's midland soils and lower increasing water tables in its lowland soils. For future model improvement, socioeconomic ...