Two field experiments were conducted at two sites in Sakha Agric. Res. Station Farm, North Delta, during two successive winter seasons, 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 to study the effect of individual and combined applications of gypsum, compost tea and biochar on some soil properties and wheat (Triticum aestivum, L) productivity under saline and saline-sodic soils. Gypsum requirements (G), 400 L compost tea (C), 1 Mg biochar (B 1) or 2 Mg biochar (B 2) were applied. Data revealed that application of G+ C+ B2 decreased soil ECe by 28.06 and 13.16 %, SAR by 17.23 and 8.92 %, ESP by 17.23 and 8.92 % for site 1 and site 2, respectively as compared to the control. While, the sodium removal efficiency (RSE %) with different treatments was increased in somewhat according to the following order: G+C+B 2 ˃ G+C+B 1 ˃ G+C ˃ G+B 2 > G+B 1 ˃ G ˃ C+B 2 > B 2 > C+B 1 > C > B 1 compared to that of the initial soil. Also, the application of different soil amendments decreased soil bulkdensity and increased soil porosity after the two growing seasons. The plant height, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and straw yields of wheat were significantly increased with different treatments.

Soil salinity and sodicity are significant issues worldwide. In particular, they represent the most dominant types of degraded lands, especially in arid and semi-arid regions with minimal rainfall. Furthermore, in these areas, human activities mainly contribute to increasing the degree of soil salinity, especially in dry areas. This study developed a model for mapping soil salinity and sodicity using remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS). It also provided salinity management techniques (leaching and gypsum requirements) to ameliorate soil and improve crop productivity. The model results showed a high correlation between the soil electrical conductivity (ECe) and remote-sensing spectral indices SIA, SI3, VSSI, and SI9 (R2 = 0.90, 0.89, 0.87, and 0.83), respectively. In contrast, it showed a low correlation between ECe and SI5 (R2 = 0.21). The salt-affected soils in the study area cover about 56% of cultivated land, of which the spatial distribution of different soil salinity levels ranged from low soil salinity of 44% of the salinized cultivated land, moderate soil salinity of 27% of salinized cultivated land, high soil salinity of 29% of the salinized cultivated land, and extreme soil salinity of 1% of the salinized cultivated land. The leaching water requirement (LR) depths ranged from 0.1 to 0.30 m ha−1, while the gypsum requirement (GR) ranged from 0.1 to 9 ton ha−1.

Aims: To evaluate the effect of zeolite and mineral fertilizers on some soil properties, availability of soil nutrients and yield of Jew’s mallow (Corchorus olitorius) in clayey and sandy soils. Study Design: The experimental designed as split plot design with three replicates, the main plots were devoted to zeolite at the rates of 0, 4.76 and 9.52 Mg ha-1 and the sub plots were occupied by mineral fertilizers at the rates of 50% and 100% from the recommended NPK doses. Place and Duration of Study: During spring and summer seasons of 2018, the field experiments were conducted in Sakha Agricultural Research Station Farm (clayey soil) and private farm at Baltium district (sandy soil). Methodology: Jew’s mallow grains (Alexandria variety). Soil samples were collected at (0-30 cm depth) in the initial of experiment and after harvesting with the aid of soil auger at random from different parts of the experimental sites to determine the physicochemical and soil moisture characteristics of the soil. Growth characteristics (plant height and fresh mass weight) were studied. Results: The results showed that ECe, SAR and bulk density values were decreased, while CEC, total porosity, field capacity, permanent wilting point and available water values increased due to application of 9.52 Mg zeolites ha-1 when compared to untreated soil. The maximum stem height and total fresh yield of Jew’s mallow were recorded with the application of 9.52 Mg zeolite ha-1+100% NPK. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the use of zeolite in clayey and sandy soils improved the soil properties, improved the availability of soil nutrients and consequently decreased the environmental pollution. Also, the obtained results are promising for enhancing the horizontal and/or vertical expansion of agriculture in such problematic soils.

Soil salinity and climate change have a negative impact on global food production and security, especially in arid regions with limited water resources. Despite the importance of planting methods, irrigation, and soil amendments in improving crop yield, their combined impact on saline soil properties and cereal crop yield is unknown. Therefore, the current study investigated the combined effect of soil amendments (i.e., compost, C and zeolite, Z) and planting methods such as raised bed (M1) and conventional (M2), and different fractions of leaching requirements from irrigation water, such as 5% (L1) and 10% (L2), on the soil physio-chemical properties and wheat and maize productivity in an arid region. The combined application of C + Z, L2, and M1 decreased soil salinity (EC) and sodicity (ESP) after wheat production by 37.4 and 28.0%, respectively, and significantly decreased by these factors by 41.0 and 43.0% after a maize growing season. Accordingly, wheat and maize yield increased by 16.0% and 35.0%, respectively under such a combination of treatments, when compared to crops grown on unamended soil, irrigated with lower leaching fraction and planted using conventional methods. This demonstrates the significance of using a combination of organic and inorganic amendments, appropriate leaching requirements and the raised bed planting method as an environmentally friendly approach to reclaiming saline soils and improving cereal crop production, which is required for global food security.

Amelioration of salt-affected soils requires an integrated management approach, by eco-friendly environmental methods which help improve soil properties, increases crop yield and quality.  Hence, a study was done to evaluate the performances of combined use of compost and foliar application of Zn, K and compost tea. In salt affected soil in the rice-wheat system. A field experiment at El Hamool district, Kafr El Sheikh governorate, Egypt was carried out during 2019 summer for rice and 2020 winter season for wheat. A split plot design with three replicates was performed. The main plots were occupied by levels of compost: C1 (2MgFed.-1), C2 (4MgFed.-1) and C3 (6MgFed.-1), (Fed= 0.41ha). Whereas, sub-plots were foliar application: control (T1), Zinc sulphate (T2), Mono potassium phosphate (T3), compost tea (T4), Zinc + potassium (T5), zinc + compost tea (T6), potassium + CT (T7) and Zn + PK + CT (T8). ECe and SAR) were significant decreased due to application of compost up to C3 (6MgFed.-1) while CEC and organic carbon were significantly increased by compost application, C3(6MgFed.-1). The highest results were recorded  due to use of Zn+PK+CT and compost. The grain and straw yields of both rice and wheat were markedly increased due to application of compost and foliar nutrients. The highest values were noted with the interaction of C3 am and T8.Nitrogen uptake, N use efficiency and N-recovery for both rice and wheat were considerably increased due to application of compost and foliar treatments, the highest performance being observed in C3 coupled with T8.