Spatial Modeling Of The Physical Soil Characteristics Of The Area Extending Between Iraqi’s Governorates: Muthanna, Al-Diwaniyah And Dhi Qar,Using GIS Technology GIS

Abstract

This study aims to identify the physical properties of the soils in the region extending between Al-Muthanna, Al-Diwaniyah) Al-Qadisiyah), and Dhi Qar governorates. The examined properties include soil texture, bulk density, particle density, soil porosity, soil moisture content, and soil colour. To achieve this, ten soil samples were randomly collected at a depth of 0–30 cm, with their coordinates determined using GPS. The study also utilized Geographic Information System (GIS) software (ArcGIS 10.7.2) to generate spatial modelling and variability maps for analysis. The results revealed variations in the physical properties of the soil across the study area.

Soil analysis results indicated that sandy loam and loamy sand textures dominate the study area. Bulk density values ranged between 0.94–1.32 g/cm³, while particle density values varied between 2.39–2.71 g/cm³. Soil porosity ranged from 48.84% to 63.97%, whereas soil moisture content fluctuated between 0.43% and 5.20%. The soil colour of the collected samples varied from light brown and dark brown to grey and light green.