This research aimed at determining dominant soil types and factors effecting their degradation; exploring water resources and water harvesting methods and distinguishing natural vegetation types of Yemen. Study methods include fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and interpretation and extrapolation of satellite images. On bases of topography and relief, study distinguished six landform regions. It also identified seven dominant soil sub-groups. Results indicate that three of soil sub-groups are suitable for intensive way of agricultural management if irrigation water is available. It revealed that only 5% of soil categories are being irrigated by deep and shallow water. While other four soil sub-groups (70%) are located in dry regions with no available water resources for irrigation. Additionally, some had already degraded either by natural factor, such as wind, water erosion and salinization, or by expansion of urban areas and road construction. The study pointed out that scarce water resources of Yemen are of three types; Surface water (rainfall, since no rivers in Yemen), groundwater, and subsurface water. Furthermore, it identified five vegetation zones, with the sixth being “Islands zone” that have not been studied so far. The study proposed the establishment of a national soil and water center, as a path towards formulating agricultural plans on sound scientific bases.

Key Words :Environmental resources, Yemen