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Abstract

This study was conducted in the Khales district to determine the suitability of soil and water (both surface and groundwater) for agricultural purposes, as these are fundamental to agriculture. Sixteen different locations for surface water were selected, with four samples from each watercourse (Tigris, Diyala, Al-Azim, and the Khales project), along with twenty drilled wells distributed to cover the study area and meet the study requirements. The water resources, both surface and groundwater, form the lifeblood of the research area and are among the most significant factors directly affecting agricultural activity. Water from these sources has been utilized through irrigation systems and pumps. It is essential to analyze key physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, such as texture, bulk and true density, and porosity, as well as to study its chemical properties. This analysis is necessary to assess the suitability for growing various crop varieties and to explore the potential for improving these properties to make them more suitable for diverse uses. Soil studies hold great significance in hydrological research since they are crucial in influencing surface water flow and groundwater storage. To provide a realistic picture of the soils in the research area, eight different locations for soil samples were selected. Quality tests for water and soil were conducted at the Desert Studies Center at Anbar University, including measurements of electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, hardness, as well as determining ion concentrations from the well samples, porosity, permeability, and organic matter content of the soils. Indicators and properties were identified for evaluation purposes to determine the suitability of water for agricultural uses. The results showed that the research area has water resources with good to very good quality characteristics, making the water suitable for agricultural use, along with the favorable nature of the soils. This indicates the potential for improving the economic conditions in the study area, especially with the availability of natural and human resources.