Soil characteristics of Al-Mahnawiyah district and its effect on the production of major grain crops

Abstract

The soil of Mahnawiya district in Al-Qadisiyah Governorate is considered a recent alluvial soil, formed by river and wind deposits. The aim of this research is to investigate the spatial variations of the soil's physical and chemical properties in Mahnawiya district and to understand their impact on the quantity and quality of major grain crop production. The results of laboratory soil analyses showed that the physical properties were suitable for agricultural production. As for the chemical properties, the results indicated that the organic matter content was moderate, and the soil reaction values were moderately alkaline. The cation exchange capacity was moderate, and the Electrical conductivity from non-saline to slightly saline. Therefore, the soil of Mahnawiya district provides essential nutrients for plant growth, thereby facilitating the production of grain crops.