Libyan Soils

Authors

Khaled R. Ben Mahmoud
Professor Emeritus in the Department of Soil and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tripoli
Hamdi A. Zurqani
Assistant Professor at the Libyan Center for Palm Tree Research, which operates under the Libyan Authority for Scientific Research in Tripoli, Libya

Keywords:

Soil Classification, Soil Mapping, Arid Lands, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Synopsis

This book provides a comprehensive scientific framework for understanding soil resources in Libya, beginning with a historical overview of soil classification and mapping efforts. It positions Libya within the context of arid region soils, offering an in-depth exploration of soil genesis, formation, spatial distribution, and primary physical and chemical properties. The text evaluates the agricultural potential of Libyan lands while addressing the critical challenges and limiting factors that hinder crop production and land use. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to modern technological integration, specifically the use of Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in managing land resource databases and spatial soil prediction. These tools are presented as essential for modern land evaluation and mapping. The book concludes with a strategic roadmap featuring practical measures to enhance land productivity, ensure the sustainability of natural resources, and strengthen national food security.

Author Biographies

Khaled R. Ben Mahmoud , Professor Emeritus in the Department of Soil and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tripoli

Professor Emeritus in the Department of Soil and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tripoli. He earned his PhD from Colorado State University in 1977 and possesses over 40 years of academic and professional experience in soil science, land evaluation, and desertification control. He has held several leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Tripoli and Director of the Land and Water Department at the Arab Center (ACSAD) in Damascus. His scholarly record includes over 40 research papers and 10 scientific books, most notably The Libyan Desert (2021) and contributions to The Soils of Libya (Springer). He has also served as a technical advisor to the Prime Minister’s office and contributed to national strategies for agriculture and food security in Libya.

Hamdi A. Zurqani, Assistant Professor at the Libyan Center for Palm Tree Research, which operates under the Libyan Authority for Scientific Research in Tripoli, Libya

Assistant Professor at the Libyan Center for Palm Tree Research, which operates under the Libyan Authority for Scientific Research in Tripoli, Libya. He is an expert in geospatial sciences and remote sensing. He received his PhD from Clemson University in 2019, with research focusing on Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI), cloud-based modeling with Google Earth Engine, and small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Currently, he holds leadership roles within the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS), serving on technical committees and acting as the GRSS Ambassador for Libya. He has an extensive publication record, including over 50 articles and three international books with Springer. His notable works include The Soils of Libya (2021), part of the World Soils Book Series; Environmental Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS in Libya (2022); and Water Resources of Libya: Challenges and Management (2025). Additionally, he serves as an editor for prestigious journals, including Scientific Reports and Frontiers.

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Published

March 3, 2026