Variations of Physical and Chemical Soil Characteristics Around Green Belts in Kuwait

Greenbelts play a key role in enhancing soil characteristics, and fertility. Four main greenbelts were selected for study: Mutla, Jahra, Kabd and Ahmadi. In total, 480 samples were collected from line transects (three upwind and three downwind). Sampling took place every 10 m to 30 m to depths of up to 60 cm. The greenbelts increased soil fertility (fine, very fine sand, and organic matter). Soil temperature decreased with depth by 0.033oC/cm from 43.5oC to 41.5oC. Infiltration under the greenbelts increased about 67% more upwind than downwind. The average soil temperatures, moisture content, conductivity level, acidity and organic matter content upwind were much lower than those downwind. The downwind sample locations showed less compaction than the upwind sample locations. The soil downwind was highly compacted approaching depths of 30 m, but the Mutla greenbelt was an exception, since the area is rocky and highly compacted by off-road vehicle tracks and sparse vegetation cover. Greenbelts with three or more lines were more efficient at catching aeolian particles (i.e., dust and sand). One line was efficient only when metal fencing with a porosity of 60% was used.