A scientific committee, headed by Professor Dr. Qusai Abdulrazzaq Wahib and assigned by the Head of the Department of Soil Sciences and Water Resources, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, under the supervision of Professor Dr. Alaa Saleh Ati, conducted a field visit to the study sites in Duhok Governorate to monitor the Master’s research of student Ali Hassan Zamat entitled:
“Integrated Assessment of Soil Quality and Environmental Sensitivity under Land Use Changes Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and Machine Learning Techniques in Duhok Governorate.”
The visit aimed to implement the field phase of the research by identifying sampling locations, conducting site inspections, and collecting soil samples according to the approved sampling design to ensure adequate representation of the various land-use types within the study area. In addition, land-use data were documented and completed for each sampling site in preparation for integration with laboratory analyses, spatial datasets, and satellite imagery to assess soil quality and environmental sensitivity using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA-AHP) and Machine Learning (ML) models.
The visit also included monitoring the implementation of the research plan and documenting the sampling sites, while emphasizing the consideration of spatial and environmental variability among the study locations to ensure the accuracy of the results and achieve the research objectives. The study is expected to produce soil quality and environmental sensitivity maps that will support the sustainable management of land resources in Duhok Governorate.
During the visit, the committee members listened to a detailed presentation by the student on the nature of his research project and its intended objectives. The committee also provided valuable comments and scientific guidance to support the successful completion of the study.
