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Abstract The current study was carried out in Siwa oasis which situated between longitudes 25° 5’ and 26° 6’ E to 29° 5’ and29° 20’ N in Western desert of Egypt. It included soil classification and land capability assessment, which are the main step for any agriculture development. The study of soil characterstics provides basic information for the evaluation of the natural resource. The majority of the Egyptian population is concentrated in the Nile valley and Delta whereas alluvial soils dominate in the agricultural land. In order to meet the demands of the increase of population there are tow ways, one of them is to expand agriculture in the desert. Therefore, the state gave great attention to soil reclamation to face the annual increase in population. Soil profiles were dug deep down to 150cm or to ground water table. The studied profiles are morphologically described and site characteristics i.e. Topography, slope, elevation, natural vegetation or land use, parent material and drainage state were observed and registered. Main point diagnostic soil horizons were identified and sampled on bases of morphological characteristics. Disturbed soil samples were taken representing different soil horizon for integrated physical, chemical, and mineralogical analysis. The investigated soils were evaluated according to land capability system Sys (1991). |