Land use/land cover assessment as related to soil and irrigation water salinity over an oasis in arid environment

Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, faces significant land use/land cover (LULC) changes and salinity risks that threaten crop production and ecosystems. A study analyzing multitemporal Landsat data from 1986 to 2016 revealed substantial LULC shifts over three decades. Soil and irrigation water salinity were measured, showing higher electrical conductivity (ECe) in date palm areas compared to croplands and bare land. Critically, 94% of irrigation water samples exhibited moderate to severe salinity risk, highlighting urgent need for salinity management practices. The research underscores the importance of sustainable strategies to maintain crop yields, improve soil health, and mitigate environmental impacts on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Biro Turk, K. G., & Aljughaiman, A. S. (2020). Land use/land cover assessment as related to soil and irrigation water salinity over an oasis in arid environment. Open Geosciences, 12(1), 220–231. https://doi.org/10.1515/geo-2020-0103