Physicochemical Characterization and Correlation Relationships of Dissolved Ions in the Soil of the Qarara al-Qatf Area, Bani Walid

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of the soil by analyzing five samples collected at random from different areas in the Qarara al-Qatf region of Bani Walid. The analyses included measurements of soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity, and calcium carbonate, as well as the concentrations of dissolved cations and anions. The results showed that soil texture ranged from sandy loam to sandy, with the soil tending toward alkalinity and slight variation among the samples. The soil was characterized by high salinity and electrical conductivity due to elevated dissolved salt levels. The calcium carbonate content ranged from 16.4% to 19.8%. Potassium had its highest concentration at site (S5) and its lowest at site (S1), while calcium accounted for a large portion of the cations. Magnesium had the greatest effect on increasing electrical conductivity and dissolved salts, while the effects of sodium and potassium were less pronounced. A strong correlation was found between electrical conductivity and dissolved salts, whereas the correlation between electrical conductivity and pH was weak. Site (S4) stood out with an increase in pH, indicating increased alkalinity, while site (S5) was the most carbonate-alkaline due to high concentrations of bicarbonate and carbonate.