Spatial Assessment of Groundwater Salinity and Its Impact on Vegetation Cover Conditions in the Agricultural Lands of Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia

A strong negative correlation exists between groundwater salinity and vegetation health in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia, with healthy vegetation predominantly found where groundwater is slightly saline. Spatial analysis of five years of satellite data, combined with ground measurements of salinity and soil texture, revealed significant heterogeneity: while 'silt loam' soils supported the best vegetation conditions (VCI), 'silty clay loam' soils only sustained dry or normal conditions. High salinity (>5 dS m−1) in mid-western areas corresponded to low vegetation health, contrasting with lower salinity regions in the east and north where vegetation thrived. These findings underscore the need for advanced modeling to optimize water management and ensure the long-term sustainability of this UNESCO-listed oasis.

Hassaballa, A. (2024). Spatial Assessment of Groundwater Salinity and Its Impact on Vegetation Cover Conditions in the Agricultural Lands of Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. Water, 16(5), 643. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16050643