Depletion of magnesium in Egyptian soils, its content in crops and estimated needs

Abstract

Soil and leaf analyses were used to survey magnesium status of different soils and crops in different governorates of Egypt during the period from 1986 - 2006. Results show that large areas in different governorates were suffering from decreasing magnesium content. Mg content of crops grown in new lands is generally lower than of same crops grown in old lands. However, both are in need of adding magnesium to grow crops giving high yields. Mg in cultivated soils decreases year after year. It can be concluded that there is a continuous depletion of magnesium from Egyptian soils and adding magnesium fertilizers would help in sustaining the soil fertility, prevent its deterioration in soils and increase yields without harming the environment. Key words: Egypt, magnesium, soils, old land, new land, fruit crops, maize, wheat, potato, tomato.