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Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research

Gezira Benchmark Soils

M.A.M. Idris

Abstract:

The concept of benchmark soils which is based on soil families as defined by the V.S. Soil Taxonomy has been successfully tested and adopted, nowadays, in the transfer of agrotechnology by analogy. Direct advantages are the reductions in trials time, costs and repetitions.
Data processing of the detailed soil surveys of the South, Centre, Messelemyia,Wad Habouba and North Groups of Gezira Scheme, revealed the presence of two main benchmark clay soils , Viz : fine (3059%clay) and very fine (60% or more clay). They exhibited five phases on the basis of presence or absence of sodicity hazard and the depth of melanic horizon. Five benchmark soils are, accordingly, selected to serve as research soil units for the generation of data and transfer of agrotechnology. Fundamentals of the selection process are the area extent and salient soil variability.
Technically sound agrotechnology will not be appropriate for transfer by analogy unless it is environmentally safe, economically feasible, socially acceptable and practically applicable. 
 

Keywords:

Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 5 (2005) PP. 51-58