USING OF FIELD MORPHOLOGICAL RATING SYSTEM TO ESTIMATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF WADI QENA SOILS

This study aims to estimate and evaluate the changes of some soils of wadi Qena using the morphology rating scale introduced by Bilzi and Ciokosz (1977). Twenty seven profiles were examined, seven out of them representing soils of wadi Qena. Soil distinctness and development were assessed using the recent methods; Relative Horizon Distinctness (RHD) and Relative profile Development (RPD). Also, profile index values were calculated from horizon index values using quantitative profile index methods. The average RHD ratings of the studies profiles are 7 to 17, 7 to 19, 9 to 14 and 9 to 14 whereas those of RPD ratings are 14 to 18, 5 to 20, 6 to 20 and 7 to 15 for the Typic Torrifluvents, Typic Haplocalcids, Typic calcigypsids and Typic Haplosalids, respectively. The RHD values coincide with those of RPD ratings and profile index values. Data revealed that the clear differentiation between two soil orders, Entisols and Aridisols.