Land Resource Study of Hodeidah Green Belt Area.

In this report the results are presented from the soil survey carried out in the Green Belt area around Al-Hodeidah. This report covers the relevant parts of the Tihama coastal plain, including part of the wadi Siham alluvial plain. A soil map, land use map, vegetation map and physiographic map, all at a scale of 1 : 50.000, were prepared. The total area covered is approximately 15200 ha, situated in a half circle around Hodeidah city. The soils are in general homogeneous with little pedogenetic development, and variable degrees of salinity and sodium content. Apart from the more sandy soils that generally cover the coastal plain, the flood irrigated alluvial parts have more loamy textures. These soils have a low organic matter content, moderate fertility and a moderate internal drainage. The quality of groundwater used for irrigation is poor with high levels of sodium. The soil map indicates that about 25% of the area is occupied by active duneland, and another 35% consists of flat and hummocky sandy areas affected by shifting sands. These areas are used mainly for grazing. A considerable part of the survey area (about 40%) is used for traditional rainfed and irrigated farming by mainly small scale farmers.