Assessment of soil salinity in the Eastern Nile Delta (Egypt) using geoinformation techniques

Abstract

Rising soil salinity has been a major problem in the soils of Egypt in recent decades. High water tables are also a common problem in intensively irrigated areas and can lead to the development of salinity problems. Results show a high correlation between ETM+ band 3 and salt efflorescence. The ground values have a good correlation (r 2 > 0.65) with estimated values. Results also show a positive correlation (r 2 = 0.84) between the concentration of salt on the surface and water table levels of 70 cm or less. In the area under study, salt accumulation, ground water and inadequate drainage conditions are the major causes of salinization.