Vegetation and Soil Conditions of Phytogenic Mounds in Subiya Area Northeast of Kuwait

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt Science Department, Faculty of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Adailiya 73251, Kuwait

2 Science Department, Faculty of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training Adailia, Kuwait

Abstract

Phytogenic mounds, nabkas, or hillocks are stabilized dunes formed around many perennial plants
growing in desert and salt marsh, sabkha, habitats. The present study aims to analyze the vegetation
structure and soil conditions of phytogenic mounds formed around two dominant perennial plants;
Haloxylon salicornicum representing desert Nabkas and Nitraria retusa representing sabkha nabkas.
Twenty sites were randomly chosen in the study area for vegetation measurements, soil sampling, and
human activities description. Fifty surface soil samples were taken from the phytogenic mounds and
interspaces for physical and chemical analysis. Signs of human impacts in the study area were also
considered. Nabkas play crucial roles in soil fixation and limiting dunes migration. They are considered
islands of fertile soil that are richer in organic matter, and silt and clay contents than soils of the
interspaces. In addition, phytogenic mounds provide important niches for many types of animals and
birds. Climatic conditions, soil salinity, and soil fine fractions are the main environmental gradients
controlling the distribution of Haloxylon salicornicum and Nitraria retusa. Human impacts are the
main threats affecting the health and abundance of phytogenic mounds causing land degradation and
species loss. Management and conservation plan for phytogenic mounds should rely on the
understanding of the potential and status of the vegetation structure and soil conditions.

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