This study was conducted to evaluate damaging degree of ambient ozone (O3) levels in certain economically important crops in typical areas of the central KSA (Riyadh). Daily mean ozone concentrations were recorded by portable O3 analyzers in the center of Batha, Naseem, Oleya and Industrial City, from the beginning of October, 2006 to middle of June, 2007. Maseef area was used as control because it is receiving fewer pollutants (O3 levels less than 40 nL L-1). Selected crops grown in pots were exposed to short-term of pollution at defined localities.

A survey of soils and plant covers was conducted on the coastal plains of the western province of Saudi Arabia to clarify the relationships between the soil properties and the plant cover type. A belt transect of 80 m in length was established across each study area. Four mixed plant communities dominated by species such as: Tamarix nilotica in coastal sabkha, Saliconrnia qassimensis in coastal sand dunes, Aerva lanata in sand plains, and Bassia muricata in wadis areas were recognized. Soil types at the study area were determined to be sandy immature soil and peat lamina soil.