Integrated Assessment of Soil and Groundwater Quality, Irrigation Suitability, and Land‐Use Dynamics in the Reclaimed Lands of West Mallawi, Egypt

ABSTRACT This study integrates land‐use/land cover (LULC) dynamics with assessments of irrigation water, soil, and groundwater quality in reclaimed lands west of Mallawi, El Minya Governorate, Egypt. Sixteen groundwater and 16 water‐saturated soil samples were analyzed for physicochemical properties, including electrical conductivity (EC), major ions, and salinity–sodicity indices. LULC changes from 2016 to 2025 were evaluated using remote sensing and modeling, while multivariate analyses explored relationships among quality indicators. Groundwater was generally suitable for irrigation, with an average irrigation water quality index (IWQI) of 3.0, EC of 1817 µS/cm, and total salts of 219 ppm—all within FAO limits. However, soil quality showed marked deterioration: EC averaged 8754 µS/cm (maximum 32 400 µS/cm), sodium reached 1132 ppm, and salinity indices were elevated (sodium adsorption ratio [SAR] = 15.1; residual sodium bicarbonate [RSBC] = 9.6; potential salinity [PS] = 21.2 meq/L). Principal component analysis identified EC, Na + , Cl − , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ as dominant salinization factors, explaining 82% and 69.7% of total variance in water and soil, respectively. Multiple linear regression models accurately predicted IWQI ( R 2 ≈ 1), with EC, Ca, Mg, and Na as key predictors. The mean soil IWQI (3.7) reflected cumulative degradation compared to groundwater. LULC analysis indicated agricultural expansion and agroforestry growth consistent with reclamation policies, alongside urban encroachment and fallow persistence. Without intervention, salinization risks may intensify. The study emphasizes integrated land–water management, including gypsum application, improved drainage, leaching, and salt‐tolerant crops, to sustain productivity in reclaimed areas.