The soils in the study area are deep, heavy textured
and moderately drained Calcaric Fluvisol, with Calcaric
Regosol near the Quasjoun-Mountain area (FAO
soil classification, 1997). The soils have a moderately
alkaline pH, high CaCO3 concentrations up to 76%, a
soil organic carbon content ranging from 2% to 4.5%,
a medium to high electrical conductivity and a low
Na+ saturation (Table 1). Pattern and density of the
vegetation in the Ghouta area of Damascus are characterized
by seasonal changes and small scattered
fields with a perennial cropping season.