Land evaluation of basaltic terrain under semi-arid to mediterranean conditions in the Golan Heights

Abstract. Soils derived from basalt bordering the northern Jordan Valley have developed under semi-arid to humid Mediterranean conditions and belong to two major soil orders: Vertisols in the drier south and Alfisols (Brown and Red Mediterranean soils) in the more humid north. Major limitations on land use of the vertisols are low hydraulic conductivity, slow infiltration and strong susceptibility to erosion by water. Crops growing on basalt-derived soil also suffer from phosphorus deficiency, though the soils contain much inorganic phosphorus. The natural vegetation is mainly herbaceous and grows well even under intensive and continuous grazing. The land is best used for pasture wherever limitations restrict other uses.