To carry out this study, 12 soil profiles were selected and prepared, and soil
samples were collected from the different horizons (surface, subsurface, and C
horizon) in each profile. The results of the analyzed samples indicate that,
topographica
l factors plays an important role in determining some feature,
such as, the depth of the profile, texture, distribution of CaCO3 and the process
of swelling and the shrinking. Concerning the soil fertility, the study showed
that the soil content of microelements is ranging between moderate to low, thus
may be related to the mineralogical composition of the parent material,
weathering status, and to the use of these elements by the plants during the long
lasting exploitation of these soil without any restitution of these element. The
results indicate as well, the decrease of these elements with decreasing
elevation, i.e from the slop to the plain, this probably due to the relation
between the leaching process and topographical position, and to lesser extend to
the (pH) of the soil.
