Soil Conservation as a Concept to Improve Kuwait Environment

Abstract

Kuwait's soil is very fragile, composed mostly of sand, not fully developed, and the top horizon is a very thin layer that is easily eroded with slight movement of wind. People who inhabited desert areas over the years understood the concept of soil conservation and maintained their own environment. Native desert plants have been crucial for the survival and sustenance of mankind through animal grazing and range land utilization. Oil discovery brought a significant amount of resources to the Gulf region. The population of Kuwait multiplied over the years, and machinery and vehicles increased, resulting a high demand for agricultural commodities and construction materials for new cities. Natural resources were over-exploited. Thus, the environmental balance between people and their surroundings in Kuwait deteriorated, mostly due to human activities. Increased activities and development work adversely affected soil properties of Kuwait during the last 40 years. Top horizons of most soils of Kuwait were erod...