Environmentally F riendly S oil W ater C onservation T echniques

Abstract

The conservation of water resources through their optimal use is a compulsory for countries with water shortages in the arid and semi-arid regions, and it should be in an environmentally friendly manner to avoid the serious consequences of the use of environmentally harmful substances, the implications of which are currently evident from climate change, pollution of water bodies, soils, etc. Since Egypt is one of those countries suffering from water scarcity and uses about 82.5 percent of its water consumption in agriculture, according to data of the Ministry of Irrigation in 2010, so this research is focusing on the use of new methods to increase the efficiency of irrigation water, to achieve high productivity of agricultural crops with less water use that will certainly help to alleviate or solve the water scarcity issue. The study used a physical based model, to simulate the methods used to increase sand soil properties to ensure larger water retention index. Within this work, soil have been sampled from different areas, to simulate the behavior of arid lands, under different water retention techniques. Soil was exposed to different techniques, as it was mixed with soil additives in different quantities and different types. Physical barriers of cohesive soil and polyethylene sheets were used in addition to studying the effect of mulch on water storage capacity in noncohesive soil. Water retention have been measured using the direct method of determination soil water content by oven drying and the volumetric water content (𝞱v ) with time graphs have been plotted in groups, as well as the cultivated plants have been monitored as to measure the influence on plants growing and irrigation efficiency. And the experiment showed that the use of rice straw (RS) and wheat straw (WS) in the powder condition have a significant effect in increasing in the soil water content and even to the plant growth, the WS obtained 𝞱v values approaching the loam soil at times and slightly less in the case of RS, when the percentage of RC and WS was 30% to the sandy soil volume/volume (v/v). Also the use of mulch of RS showed a noticeable increase in 𝞱v and significant improvement of plant growth to that without mulch. These proven technologies can be used in sandy land targeted for reclamation to reduce water use in agriculture.

Influence of mulches on soil moisture and water infiltration in the tomato crop

“…Other researchers have instead focused on the issue of water conservation in the soil, establishing different techniques, including mulching (Stelli et al, 2018). An old practice (Jacks et al, 1955), consists of covering the soil surface with other materials, called "mulch" (Almetwally et al, 2019;Telkar et al, 2017). They can be applied to perennial or seasonal crops to: conserve water (Zegada-Lizarazu and Berliner, 2011), improve crop performance and wind control (Sharma et al, 2023;Simsek et al, 2017), increase plant health and vitality (Stelli et al, 2018), improve the action of microorganisms in the soil, and increase soil organic matter (Sharma et al, 2023;Simsek et al, 2017).…”

“…Organic materials are the most recommended as they can actively promote soil desalination and assist in the degradation of pesticides and other pollutants (Telkar et al, 2017). Several studies have been conducted in semi-arid and arid areas on the effects of mulching in conserving soil moisture (Almetwally et al, 2019;Mkhabela et al, 2019;Stelli et al, 2018;Simsek et al, 2017;Telkar et al, 2017) with interesting results. Some have also tested the effects of mulching on specific crops, such as tomatoes.…”