DETERMINATION OF LANDS SUITABILITY FOR AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY USING SOIL SURVEY AND REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES, AL-DABA AREA, NORTHERN STATE, SUDAN

This study was conducted in eastern al daba localty, about 32 km South east Aldaba town, northern State, to explore and determine the suitable lands for the establishment of an agricultural project in the study area, and evaluate and determine the soil suitability for agricultural activities in the study area using remote sensing, soil survey and analysis. The study area covering (55692.1 feddans). This research was based on the data and information extracted from soil survey, remote sensed landsat 8 images dated 2021, in addition to field observation aided by GPS Garmin 62 receivers and geographic information system were used to generate soil map in the study area. Satellite image was enhanced, interpreted and analyzed using ERDAS Imagine 8.5, 18807 feddan of the project area was excluded and classified as currently unsuitable for agricultural activities because of the very high altitude, presence of mountains and rocks. By using the American soil classification system and (FAO, 1990 and 2006) the project area classified into five units, extended flat unit (7550.5 feddans ), relatively flat surface unit (7550.5 feddans), completely black surface unit (7505.7 feddan), moderate – highly undulating surface (8734.6 feddan.) and highly undulating surface unit (9027.5 feddan). Using the USA classification system, the above five units were grouped and classified into three soil suitability classes which is (1) Medium soil suitability Class, S2 m (19123.0 feddan) 51.84% of the total project area, non alkaline, non saline, non sodic area, (2) Medium soil suitability Class, S2 mt (8734.6 feddan) 23.6% of the total project area, slightly alkaline, non saline, non sodic area and (3) Marginal Soil stability class S3mt (9027.5.6 feddan) 24.4% of the total project area, slightly alkaline, non saline, non sodic area. So, based on this study there was vast area is suitable for agricultural activity (28625 feddan), but provided by certain conditions.