Effect of Land Use on Some Soil Properties ofWad Hashim , Sennar state, Sudan

Abstract

This study was caried out to determine the impact of land use patterns on desertification in Wad Hushim south of Sennar town. Some land degradation indicators were used in order to assess the current performance of the area. Soil samples were collected from five sites using auger from the following depth 0 – 30 cm, 30 – 60 cm – 60 – 90 cm. All samples were subjected to laboratory analysis. The results of the chemical analysis showed that the land use patterns led to some land degradation and statistical analysis indicated significant (P= 0.05) differences in most soil characteristics. The results of soil analysis showed that the soil is alkaline with an electrical conductivity of less than 4ds/m. Soluble cations (Ca, Mg and Na) increased among sites with depth, and electrical conductivity was the same among sites and depths. Nitrogen was low and chloride was dominant in the soil of the area without clear differences among sites and depths. Organic carbon was very low. The study concluded that the soil in the study area was subjected to different activities that decreased the fertility