Plants of Wadi Al-Jez'ah and Their Role in the Formation of Fertility Islands

Abstract

This study was conducted in the Wadi Al-Jaz'ah area of ​​Wadi Al-Shatti, southern Libya. The plant species present in the area were identified, and soil samples were collected from the plants at a rate of three plants (replications) per species. The concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium in the soil were estimated, in addition to pH and electrical conductivity. The study revealed the presence of seven plant species: Acacia raddiana, Retama raetam, Atriplex halimus, Zilla spinosa, Panicum turgidum, Citrullus colocynthis, and Pergularia tomentosa L. Despite the different plant species, the soil exhibited similar pH values, ranging from 6.56 to 7.06, while the electrical conductivity of the soil ranged from 1.87 in  Panicum turgidum soil to 2.77 in the  soil of  Pergularia tomentosa L. This indicates varying effects of the plants on soil properties. This may be due to plant size or differences in nutrient concentrations among the plants, which in turn affect soil pH and conductivity. Generally, nutrient concentrations were not high in the soil, as dry soils are typically nutrient-poor. However, statistical analysis did not show significant differences in magnesium concentrations among the different plant species (p>0.05).  These results show that the highest concentrations of calcium and magnesium were found in the Retama raetam and Pergularia tomentosa soils, indicating differences in the plants' ability to form fertility islands and accumulate nutrients in the soil. The average calcium concentration in the soil was 77.02 ppm, and the magnesium concentration was 19.5 ppm. Comparison between the two elements showed significant differences in concentration (p<0.05). This study recommends further attention to Wadi Al-Jaz'ah and similar poor environments, as they are sensitive to any loss of vegetation cover or any irrational use of the soil. The existing plants also play an important role in the formation of fertile islands and are considered a haven for many wildlife, which necessitates protecting them and activating measures that ensure a stable and safe environment for them.

Keywords: Wadi Al-Jez'ah , dry environment, organic matter