Mapping the vegetation of Kuwait through reconnaissance soil survey

Previous studies on the vegetation of Kuwait showed dominance of five plant communities; however. due to both natural and human factors, the vegetation has been altered. In the present study, a vegetation map was prepared by integrating soil information and vegetation information in a Geographic Information System (GIS). A reconnaissance field survey was conducted at scale 1:100,000 for the entire state excluding urban, agricultural and restricted areas. Some 8351 observation-points were assessed for vegetation and soils covering an area of 1,670,209 ha. A vegetation map was prepared constituting eight vegetation map units. In comparison with previous studies, this study showed alteration in the distribution of plant communities. Perennial shrubs constitute about 27% of the surveyed area while perennial grass and sedge constitute 67.9%. The current status of vegetation show intensive land degradation. The vegetation units can be managed after considering potential and status of the dominating plant community and soil types. (C) 2001 Academic Press.