Integrated Land Evaluation · Al Lith Governorate · Makkah Province · KSA

Al Lith Governorate
Integrated Land Evaluation

A synthesis of Land Capability, Land Suitability and Remote Sensing frameworks into a single decision-maker view. Zone classifications follow FAO Soils Bulletin 32 notation. Spatial boundaries are indicative — pending field survey and GIS analysis.

FrameworksCapability + Suitability + RS
ZonesA — B — C — D
FAO ReferenceBulletin 32 & 55
StatusFramework Phase — Phase 2 GIS Required
© TEC SOLUTION 2026
Zone classifications and area estimates on this page are indicative — based on published geomorphological mapping (Al-Harthi 2002, Al-Dakheel et al. 2022). Field survey and GIS spatial analysis are required to produce validated boundaries and accurate hectare counts.
West → East Conceptual Transect — Al Lith Governorate Conceptual — not to scale
RED SEA ZONE D Sabkha ZONE B Tihama Plain Existing 12,000ha ZONE A Wadi Floor Fluvisol Prime ZONE A/B Alluvial Fans ZONE C Rocky Pediment ZONE D Hejaz Mts >15% WEST EAST
Zone A — Prime Agricultural Land
Zone A
Wadi floor Fluvisols and lower alluvial fan deposits — the highest-potential land in the study area
C1–C2 Capability S1–S2 Suitability No Critical Exclusion
Typical Geomorphological Units
Wadi Al-Lith floor (Fluvisol) Lower alluvial fan Wadi terrace deposits
Key Characteristics
Deep alluvial soils (AWC > 100 mm/m) with moderate clay content from mountain catchment. Flat to gently sloping (0–5%). Natural fertility replenished by periodic spate floods. Low salinity (ECe < 2 dS/m). Groundwater at accessible depth with moderate depletion risk.
Viable Crops
Watermelon Tomato Cucumber Leafy vegetables Date palm Citrus (protected)
Investment Level
Moderate — drip irrigation + water management. Viability highest.
Estimated area: 15–25% of study area — primarily along Wadi Al-Lith corridor Indicative
Based on wadi floor extent mapped by [Al-Harthi 2002] and agroclimatic zone mapping [Al-Dakheel et al. 2022]
Zone B — Good with Management
Zone B
Mid Tihama coastal plain Aridisols — where the existing 12,000 ha watermelon system currently operates
C2–C3 Capability S2–S3 Suitability Subclass: s, c
Typical Geomorphological Units
Tihama coastal plain (Aridisol) Mid alluvial fan Sandy interdune corridors
Key Characteristics & Limiting Factors
Sandy loam Aridisols with low AWC (60–100 mm/m) — subclass s. Full irrigation dependency — rainfall 100–150 mm/year provides timing signal only — subclass c. Groundwater available at moderate depth but depletion monitoring required. No salinity risk if drainage managed.
Viable Crops
Watermelon Melon Sorghum Onion Date palm Tomato (drip only)
Investment Level
Moderate-high — drip irrigation essential + organic amendment + water monitoring.
Estimated area: 35–45% of study area — dominant land type on the Tihama plain Indicative
Existing 12,000 ha watermelon area confirmed by [Al-Dakheel et al. 2022]. Full extent requires satellite land cover mapping.
Zone C — Marginal / Conditional
Zone C
Upper alluvial fans, rocky pediment margins and high-gravel deposits — only viable for specific uses under controlled conditions
C3–C4 Capability S3–N1 Suitability Subclass: s, t, e
Typical Geomorphological Units
Upper alluvial fan (coarse) Rocky pediment Desert pavement
Key Characteristics & Limiting Factors
High gravel content (35–50%) limits AWC and mechanisation — subclass s. Slope 5–15% restricts equipment and creates erosion risk — subclass t, e. Shallow soils above calcrete hardpan in many areas. Water availability uncertain due to elevation and distance from wadi recharge. Only specialised or drip-irrigated systems viable.
Conditional Uses Only
Rangeland restoration Drought-tolerant shrubs Micro-CEA sites only
Investment Level
Very high investment relative to returns — commercial food production not recommended.
Estimated area: 15–20% of study area — alluvial fan fringe and pediment zones Indicative
Alluvial fan geomorphology mapped by [Al-Harthi 2002]. Exact boundary requires DEM slope analysis and soil survey.
Zone D — Excluded
Zone D
Permanent exclusions — sabkha, active dune fields, coastal ecological buffers, and high-slope mountain terrain
CN — Not Capable N2 — Permanently Not Suitable Critical Exclusion
Exclusion Grounds
Sabkha ECe >16 dS/m Active dunes >15m/year Slope >15% Coral/mangrove buffer <500m Turtle nesting beach buffer Active wadi channel <100m
Why Permanently Excluded
Sabkha zones have ECe permanently > 16 dS/m — reclamation is not economically viable at any scale. Active dune fields migrate 5–30 m/year — infrastructure burial within project lifetime. Ecological buffers are legally mandated under Saudi Wildlife Authority regulations. Mountain slopes > 15% are physically non-mechanisable and have severe water erosion risk.
Permitted Uses
Ecosystem conservation Tourism & ecotourism Watershed protection
Investment Level
No agricultural investment. Conservation and regulatory compliance only.
Estimated area: 20–30% of study area — coastal sabkha belt + mountain terrain Indicative
Sabkha extent mapped by satellite SI-3 salinity index; mountain boundary from SRTM DEM slope analysis. Ecological buffers per [IUCN 2023] and [Saudi Wildlife Authority 2022].
Three frameworks — one integrated answer. The zone classification is not produced by a single tool or index. It is the result of layering three complementary assessment frameworks, each answering a different question. Remote Sensing tells us what the land looks like now. Land Capability tells us what the land can physically support. Land Suitability tells us whether a specific crop or use is viable. The zone is determined by the intersection of all three — governed by the FAO limiting factor rule.
The Three-Framework Integration Process
Remote Sensing
Satellite indices reveal current land condition — vegetation health, salinity extent, soil moisture, thermal stress, dune migration, land cover.
NDVI • BSI • SI-3 • LST • SAR
→
Land Capability
FAO C1–CN classification of the land’s inherent physical capacity — independent of intended use. Limiting factor rule applied.
C1 • C2 • C3 • C4 • CN
→
Land Suitability
FAO S1–N2 evaluation for a specific crop or land use. Weighted parametric scoring of 34 decision elements across 6 categories.
S1 • S2 • S3 • N1 • N2
→
Zone Classification
The most restrictive result from all three frameworks determines the zone. Positive qualities do not offset critical limitations.
A B C D
The FAO Limiting Factor Rule
"The capability and suitability of the land is determined by its most severe limitation — not by its average condition."

A parcel with excellent soils, perfect topography, and good climate — but with ECe of 18 dS/m (active sabkha) — is automatically classified CN / N2 / Zone D, regardless of all positive attributes. This is not a score; it is a rule. The practical implication: a single Critical-priority element scoring 1 overrides the entire weighted parametric score and forces N2 Permanently Not Suitable.

Source: FAO Soils Bulletin No. 32 — A Framework for Land Evaluation (Beek, 1978)
From satellite to decision — the data flow
1
Satellite image acquisition
Sentinel-2 (10m optical), Landsat 8/9 (30m optical + thermal), Sentinel-1 SAR (10m radar). Free access via ESA Copernicus Open Access Hub and USGS EarthExplorer. Processing in Google Earth Engine.
2
Spectral index computation
24 indices calculated: vegetation (NDVI, MSAVI, EVI), soil (BSI, Iron Oxide, CMI, Carbonate), salinity (SI-1, SI-3, CSRI), water (MNDWI, NDMI), thermal (LST), built-up (NDBI), change detection (10-year NDVI trend, dune migration). Each index validated against published threshold ranges.
3
Land capability classification
18 land qualities assessed across 5 groups (soil physical, soil chemical, water & drainage, topography & erosion, climate). FAO C1–CN class determined for each spatial unit using the limiting factor rule. Subclass letters (s, w, e, c, t, z, f, n) identify the nature of limitations.
4
Land suitability evaluation
34 decision elements scored 1–5 across 6 weighted categories. Weighted parametric score converted to FAO S1–N2 notation. Critical-priority elements with score 1 trigger automatic N2 regardless of overall score. Evaluated separately for each candidate crop type.
5
Zone overlay and classification
GIS spatial overlay of capability class, suitability class, and remote sensing indices produces the zone map. Zone A requires C1–C2 + S1–S2 + healthy remote sensing signature. Each zone boundary is validated against field survey data. Hectares calculated from validated polygons.
6
Decision-maker output
Zone map with Area (ha), Dominant limiting factors, Viable crops, Required investment, and confidence level. Feeds directly into the land reservation application to MEWA and agricultural investment prospectus.
Ten headline findings from applying the integrated framework to the Al Lith study area — based on published literature and the frameworks developed in this project. Each finding links to the supporting module and primary reference. Spatial validation pending Phase 2 field survey.
01
Al Lith has one of the highest solar irradiance levels globally — GHI approximately 7.2 kWh/m²/day — making PV-powered drip irrigation and solar desalination economically competitive. This is a structural cost advantage over almost all competing agricultural regions. [IRENA 2016]
Remote Sensing — LST / GHI
02
The existing 12,000 ha rainfed watermelon system operates on Zone B land — viable but structurally exposed to inter-annual rainfall variability (CV ≈ 50%). Installing drip irrigation infrastructure on this same land would upgrade it from rainfall-dependent S3 to irrigated S2, significantly reducing investment risk. [Al-Dakheel et al. 2022]
Suitability — Water Resources
03
The Wadi Al-Lith floor Fluvisols represent the highest-capability land in the study area — C1 classification — with deep alluvial soils (AWC > 100 mm/m), flat terrain, and natural fertility replenishment from spate floods. This corridor is the highest-priority target for structured agricultural reservation. [Al-Harthi 2002]
Land Capability — Soil Physical
04
Coastal sabkha zones must be permanently excluded — ECe values > 16 dS/m confirmed by SI-3 and SWIR salinity indices — triggering automatic CN / N2 / Zone D classification under the FAO limiting factor rule. No management intervention can make these areas agriculturally viable at commercial scale. [Al-Harthi 2002] [Metternicht & Zinck 2003]
Remote Sensing — Salinity
05
The October–April winter window provides ideal thermal conditions — average 18–30°C, effectively frost-free, with 0–30 days above 38°C — classified C2 thermal suitability and S1–S2 for most vegetable crops. This gives Al Lith a seasonal production advantage over northern KSA where winter temperatures limit crop options. [Al-Dakheel et al. 2022]
Capability — Climate
06
Groundwater depletion is the single highest-risk long-term constraint — draw-down rates in the Tihama alluvial aquifer are estimated at 0.5–1.5 m/year in intensively abstracted zones, placing the 25–50 year investment horizon at risk. Any reservation application should include a binding water budget with mandatory monitoring and depletion thresholds. [Gleeson et al. 2012] [MEWA 2020]
Capability — Water & Drainage
07
Progressive salinisation is an active and growing risk adjacent to the sabkha zone. Capillary rise from saline groundwater combined with poor natural drainage can convert productive Zone B land to Zone D within a decade if irrigation management is inadequate. Salinity monitoring using SI-1 and CSRI indices at 2–year intervals is the minimum required. [Metternicht & Zinck 2003]
Remote Sensing — Salinity
08
Aeolian sand encroachment is a documented active hazard north of Al Lith town, with dune migration rates of 5–15 m/year confirmed by multi-temporal satellite analysis. Any agricultural investment within 2 km of the active dune field requires windbreak infrastructure and dune stabilisation as a precondition. [Al-Harthi 2002]
Capability — Topography & Erosion
09
The Red Sea proximity (< 15 km) enables solar desalination as a viable long-term water security pathway, protecting the agricultural zone from groundwater depletion risk. At current CAPEX benchmarks, small-scale RO desalination powered by rooftop PV is cost-competitive for high-value vegetable production on Zone A and B land. [IRENA 2021]
Suitability — Water Resources
10
Al Lith’s location on the Vision 2030 agricultural priority corridor — supported by MEWA’s National Water Strategy and food security mandate — means that a well-documented land reservation application backed by this framework has a high probability of ministerial approval. The framework developed in this project constitutes the methodology documentation required for a formal reservation submission. [MEWA 2022] [Al-Dakheel et al. 2022]
Integrated Overview
Crop viability by zone, season, water source and investment level. All recommendations are based on published agroclimatic thresholds for the Tihama coastal plain. CEA = Controlled Environment Agriculture (greenhouse/polytunnel).
Zone Crop Season Water Source Irrigation Investment FAO Class Risk Notes
AWatermelonOct – MarGroundwater + SpateDrip or SpateLow–MedS1
Highest viability; existing system confirms feasibility
ATomatoOct – AprGroundwaterDripMediumS1–S2
Deep Fluvisol soils ideal; high-value fresh market
ACucumberOct – AprGroundwaterDripMediumS1–S2
2 cycles per winter season possible
ADate PalmPerennialGroundwaterDripMediumS1
Salt-tolerant; high water productivity; Vision 2030 priority
ALeafy VegetablesNov – MarGroundwaterDrip / SprinklerLowS1
Lettuce, spinach, rocket; short cycle; rapid cash flow
BWatermelonOct – MarRain + GroundwaterSpate / DripLow–MedS2–S3
Current 12,000 ha system; irrigation upgrade improves to S2
BSorghumApr – JulGroundwaterDripLowS2
Heat-tolerant; summer window; fodder and food dual-use
BMelonOct – MarGroundwaterDripMediumS2
Similar requirements to watermelon; diversifies crop mix
BOnionNov – FebGroundwaterDripMediumS2
Short day varieties; low water demand; good market value
BTomato (CEA)Year-roundGroundwater + DesalDrip in tunnelHighS2
Year-round production possible with polytunnel; higher ROI
CDrought-tolerant shrubsYear-roundMinimal / rainNone or minimalVery LowS3
Rangeland restoration; erosion control; not food crops
CMicro-CEA sitesYear-roundDesalinationClosed hydroponicVery HighN1*
*Only if all Critical constraints addressed; specialist investment
DNo agricultural use————N2
Permanent exclusion; conservation, ecotourism only
Crop suitability classes based on FAO Soils Bulletin 55 parametric thresholds adapted for Al Lith agroclimatic conditions per Al-Dakheel et al. (2022). Field-validated crop trials required before commercial-scale planting decisions.
This framework constitutes Phase 1 — Methodology Design. Phase 2 applies the framework to real spatial data to produce the validated zone map required for a MEWA land reservation application. Below is the full Phase 2 workflow with required data, tools, and estimated effort.
2.1
Satellite Data Acquisition
Remote sensing baseline — 2–4 weeks
Download Sentinel-2 MSI cloud-free composites for Oct–Apr (growing season) and Jun–Sep (dry season), 2020–2025 archive from ESA Copernicus Hub
Download Landsat 8/9 OLI + TIRS scenes for LST thermal analysis and longer change-detection archive (2015–2025)
Download Sentinel-1 SAR GRD VV/VH polarisation scenes for flood mapping and soil moisture analysis
Download SRTM / Copernicus DEM 30m / 10m for slope, aspect, and flood extent modelling
ESA Copernicus Hub USGS EarthExplorer Google Earth Engine
2.2
GIS Spatial Analysis
Index computation & layer production — 3–5 weeks
Compute all 24 spectral indices per the Remote Sensing Framework for each seasonal composite (NDVI, MSAVI, BSI, SI-1, SI-3, MNDWI, LST, etc.)
DEM slope analysis: classify slope gradient (0–2%, 2–5%, 5–8%, 8–15%, >15%) for terrain workability and erosion hazard
Flood extent mapping: hydrological modelling from DEM + SAR-based flood detection for 5, 10, 20, 100-year return periods
10-year NDVI trend and BSI change detection to identify degradation and recovery areas
Google Earth Engine QGIS / ArcGIS SAGA GIS Python (GDAL, rasterio)
2.3
Field Survey Campaign
Ground-truthing & soil sampling — 3–5 weeks fieldwork
Soil profile pits (minimum 50 sites stratified by geomorphological unit): texture by horizon, depth to hardpan, gravel content, organic matter, ECe, ESP, pH, CaCO3
Groundwater survey: depth to water table, well yield tests, ECw, SAR, B concentration for representative sites across the study area
Remote sensing validation points: GPS-located field observations to validate satellite-derived salinity, slope, land cover, and vegetation classifications
Ecological buffer survey: map mangrove, coral reef and turtle nesting beach extents to define exclusion zone boundaries precisely
GPS Rover Soil EC meter Lab analysis (KSU / KACST) KOBO Collect
2.4
Capability & Suitability Mapping
Apply frameworks spatially — 2–3 weeks
Assign FAO C1–CN class to each mapping unit using field survey data + GIS layers. Apply limiting factor rule. Record subclass letters for each unit.
Score all 34 suitability elements for each mapping unit using the v12 framework. Compute weighted parametric score. Convert to FAO S1–N2 class per candidate crop.
Apply exclusion masks: sabkha boundary (SI-3), slope > 15% (DEM), ecological buffers (field survey), active dunes (dune migration map), built-up areas (NDBI+UI).
QGIS / ArcGIS Python spatial analysis PostGIS
2.5
Zone Map Production
Final output & validation — 1–2 weeks
GIS overlay: intersect capability class, suitability class, RS indices, and exclusion masks to produce the draft zone map (A/B/C/D) with polygon boundaries
Area statistics: calculate exact hectares per zone, per geomorphological unit, per administrative boundary
Field validation: revisit 10–15% of zone boundaries for ground-truth verification; update map where discrepancies found
Update this Overview: replace indicative estimates with validated figures; add the validated zone map as an interactive layer in the 3D satellite module
QGIS MapTiler (tile hosting) Leaflet.js (web map)
2.6
MEWA Reservation Application
Regulatory submission — 2–6 months process
Prepare land reservation dossier per MEWA requirements: validated zone map, soil survey report, water budget, environmental impact assessment, investment plan
Legal land status verification: confirm all Zone A and B parcels are classified as mawat (white land) available for agricultural reservation under Royal Decree M/12
Submit to MEWA Agricultural Land Reservation Department with full technical documentation package. This framework constitutes the methodology annex.
Monitor and respond to MEWA technical committee review; expected 3–6 month review cycle for large-area applications
MEWA eServices Portal Royal Decree M/12 (1978) MEWA Land Policy 2022
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