Spatial variability and correlation of soil properties in the annaba plain (North-East Algeria)

The present study was conducted to study the spatial variability of soil acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), texture and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). The total of 23 soil samples were collected from different plots at 0–0.3 m in depth and were analyzed in the laboratory. The statistical analysis showed high spatial variability across the experimental field based on EC, CaCO₃, clay, sand and silt indicated by values of the coefficient of variation (CV) of 46.537, 38.156, 32.289, 49.037 and 34.742%, respectively. However, very low variability was observed for soil pH; with CV value of 2.759%. Correlation matrix indicated that soil pH was significantly correlated with CaCO₃ (r=0.74) and electrical conductivity (r=-0.448). Clay was positively and significantly correlated with silt (r= 0.635) and negatively and significantly correlated with sand (r=0.907). Silt was negatively and significantly correlated with sand (r=-0.907).