North Nile Delta Research Articles

Treating Rice Plants with Zeolite Soil Addition and Foliar Application of Potassium Silicate to Mitigate The Expected Water Scarcity in North Nile Delta, Egypt

Due to limited water resources in Egypt, the researchers should find various ways to save irrigation water without a reduction in rice yield. So, two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of three irrigation intervals as main plots [ irrigation every 6, 8 and 10 days], three addition levels of zeolite as sub-plots [0.0 (without addition), 7.0 and 10.0 ton fed-1], foliar application of potassium silicate as sub-sub plots [0.0 (without foliar application) and 2.0 g K2SiO3 L-1] and their interactions on performance and yield of rice plant. Also, post-harvest soil analysis was done. The results indicated that water stress (irrigation every 8 and 10 days) led to raising phenol content and superoxide dismutase activity in rice plant leaves, while zeolite and potassium silicate led to a decline of the plant's requirement from these antioxidants. Both zeolite and potassium silicate beneficially affected rice growth, yield and its components. Soil addition of zeolite at rate of 7.0 and 10 ton fed-1 before sowing under watering rice plants every 8 days realized better results for growth, yield and its components than non- soil addition of zeolite under watering every 6 days (traditional irrigation) in presence and absence of K₂SiO3. Usage of zeolite improved soil total porosity, CEC and FC values.It can be concluded that both potassium silicate as a foliar application and zeolite amendment represents an attractive option to mitigate the expected water scarcity.

EFFECT OF LATERALS DRAIN SPACING AND GROUNDWATER DEPTH ON SOIL WATER RELATIONS AND RICE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE NORTH NILE DELTA

A field experiment was conducted in alluvial clay soil located at the north Nile Delta (Motobus District, Kafr El-Shiekh Governorate, Egypt). The soil was cultivated with rice crop (Oryza sativa L.) during two summer seasons 2018 and 2019. The impact of lateral drain spacing at 20m and 40m between laterals (main plots) with controlled drainage (CD) at 0.4, 0.8m depth and uncontrolled drainage at 1.2m below soil surface (sub plots) was studied to evaluate soil-water properties, Nitrate losses, water saving, rice productivity and economic return under rice crop cultivation. Results showed that the relative groundwater depth values (RGWD) are inversely proportional to the drain spacing treatments. The highest values of drainable porosity (0.145 and 0.141%) were achieved in the plots subjected to 20 m drain spacing with uncontrolled treatment, while the lowest values ( 0.1 and 0.101%) were obtained at 40m drain spacing with 0.4m controlled drainage in both seasons, respectively. It's clear that narrow drain spacing of 20m and water table depth at 0.4m was more efficient than the wider drain spacing at 40m in reducing values of soil salinity, SAR and bulk density compared with its values before installation of drainage system. On the other, hand it gave the highest values for water saving, nitrate saving, productivity of irrigation water, rice yields, net return, net income from water unit, economic efficiency compared to wider drain spacing (40 m) with 1.2 m ground water depth. The controlled drainage reduced drainage outflow compared to conventional drainage. It can be concluded that the treatment of controlled drainage gave more profit than the uncontrolled one.

Evaluation of Drainage Water Quality of El Hoks Drain at North Nile Delta, Kafr El-Sheihk Governorate, Egypt

There is a severe shortage in irrigation water supply in North Delta area, especially Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. The shortage in fresh water supply in farmlands located on the tail end of irrigation canals has to be replenished by the available drainage water. So, the current work focused on assessing water quality of El-Hoks Drain for irrigation with respect to its contents of ammonium- N (NH4-N), nitrate-N (NO3-N), salts, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), boron (B) and some heavy metals. Sixty water samples were collected from ten branch drains’ discharge in El-Hoks Drain during winter (2017/018) and summer (2018) seasons. According to FAO (1985) and Egyptian standards (Law 48/1982), results showed that BOD, COD and NO3-N are the main pollutants, which BOD and COD values are classified between bad to slight and moderate, whereas, NH4-N and NO3-N values fall within the normal range for irrigation, but it is in the abnormal range based on the Egyptian standards. DO Values are in the normal range for irrigation according to Egyptian standards. Also, values of heavy metals Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd exceed the allowable limits for irrigation except Ni which falls within the normal range. B values in water samples fall between bad and good. Meanwhile, pH values ranged from 7.37 to 7.95, EC values ranged from 1.16 to 2.71 dSm-1, while SAR values varied from 5.74 to 8.64 which are suitable for irrigation and their values were higher in winter than in summer.

Using Raised Bed and Irrigation cut-off for Saving Irrigation Water and Increasing Wheat Productivity in North Nile Delta

In Egypt, surface irrigation and irrigation till the tail end of the furrows or borders are commonly used with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and other crops, but they lead to poor aeration and ineffective use of water and fertilizers. Therefore, raised beds planting method and cut-off irrigation improve wheat productivity and raise water and fertilizer use efficiencies. A field experiment was carried out in two winter growing seasons (2017/18 and 2018/19) at Sakha Agricultural Research Station Farm, Kafr EL-sheikh Governorate. The objective was to evaluate the impact of raised bed and irrigation cut-off on growth and yield of wheat (Misr-1 variety), some water relations and the contribution of ground water table on water consumption. A split plot design was used with three replicates. The main plots were occupied by raised bed treatments: farmer's conventional flat planting method (F1), furrow 60 cm width (F2) and furrow 120 cm width (F3). The sub plots were devoted to irrigation cut-off treatments: cut-off at 100% of strip length, C100% (control), cut-off at 90% of strip length (C90%) and cut-off at 80% of strip length (C80%). The results revealed that C90% combined with F3 achieved the lowest values of seasonal applied water and water consumptive use and the highest values of water productivity (9.69 L.E m-3), water application efficiency (Ea) and grain and straw yields. On the other hand, C80% recorded the highest contribution value of ground water table (CGWT) of water consumption (21.4%), leading to increase of water saving. (with 34.05% increase)

Effect of Planting Methods and Gypsum Application on Yield and Water Productivity of Wheat under Salinity Conditions in North Nile Delta

Salinity and water shortage are the most important factors limiting crop productivity, so increasing the productivity of salt-affected soils is important to address the global food gap. Two field experiments were conducted under typical farm conditions in the North Nile Delta to study the effect of planting methods and gypsum application on wheat yield and water productivity under a range of water and soil salinity levels. In the first experiment, wheat was treated with gypsum (25%, 75%, and 100% gypsum-requirement) with moderate or high salinity in soil and water. The second experiment was conducted for two seasons at two sites to test three planting methods (flat, 60-cm furrows, and 120-cm raised-beds) under normal or high salinity levels of both soil and water. The results showed that gypsum alleviated the hazardous effects of salinity stress on grain yield. Raised furrows or beds under higher salinity levels increased soil salinity, and soil salinity was slightly increased with flat plots. Higher yields, water savings, and water productivities were achieved with raised furrows or beds under normal salinity. To improve yield under normal salinity conditions, raised beds are the recommended planting method. Furthermore, gypsum application in cultivated fields can mitigate the negative effects of salinity stress.

Irrigation scheduling and its impacts on Freesia-water productivity, vegetative and flowering parameters under greenhouse cultivation

A pot experiment under greenhouse was conducted during 2017/18 and 2018/19 at Sakha Horticulture Research Station, North Nile Delta to find the impact of different irrigation scheduling on freesia-water productivity, its yield, vegetative, flowering, corms parameters and chlorophyll content. Therefore, four irrigation intervals of 3, 6, 9 and 12 days with four irrigation levels of 100 (Control), 120, 80, and 60% cumulated pan evaporation (CPE) were tested. Results showed that irrigation scheduling significantly influenced the stated items. The mean seasonal irrigation water for the highest economical yield of fresh weight of spike was 12.58 cm, while it was 14.05 cm for new corm under 9 days and 60% or 12 days and 80%, respectively with mean value of 13.32cm. Regarding irrigation water productivity (IWP), the stated irrigation scheduling gave the highest IWP for spike (0.7g.cm-1) and new corm of 0.43 g.cm-1. For freesia marketable yield of fresh weight of spike and new corm, maximum spike weight was obtained from 9 days and 60% and for fresh weight of new corm was obtained from 12 days and 80% CPE. By applying 12 days and 120% level, the highest values of plant height, number of leaves per plant and weight of fresh and dry vegetative growth were recorded. Whereas, 3 days and 120% level gave the highest leaf area. Moreover, watering each 9 days and 80% CPE is the effective irrigation scheduling on flowering parameters. Meanwhile, 12 days and 60% is the proper irrigation scheduling for highest total chlorophyll content.

Effect of Gypsum, K-Humate and Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria on Improvement of Soil Properties and Productivity of Wheat and Maize Irrigated by Saline Water

Because of water shortage in North Nile Delta, Egypt, some farmers have to irrigate their crops by saline water. So, soils and/or plants are preferred to be treated by some amendments to alleviate the hazardous effects of salt stress. Two field experiments were conducted at Sakha Agric. Res. Station Farm, Kafr Elsheikh Gov., Egypt, to study the effect of gypsum (50, 75 and 100% of gypsum requirement, 8.2 t ha-1), K-humate (5 and 10 kg ha-1) and inoculation with plant growth-promoting-rhizobacteria (PGPR), (108-109 colony, ml-1) on soil properties and productivity of wheat (2018/19) and maize (2019) irrigated by saline water (0.7 and 2.43 dSm-1). The results revealed that plant height, grain filling, grain and straw yields of wheat and maize were negatively affected by irrigation water salinity. Also, irrigation water salinity clearly affected soil ECe and ESP, while it slightly affected soil bulk density and total porosity. Also, soil ECe, ESP, bulk density and total porosity were slightly affected by application of gypsum, K-humate and PGPR. The biomass yield, plant height and grain filling in both crops were positively affected by gypsum application, whereas it alleviated the adverse effects of salinity on crop growth. Also, K-humate with PGPR positively affected the crop yield and its attributes. The bio amendments alleviated the harmful effects of salinity stress on both crops. Finally, 100% gypsum combined with higher rate of K-humate and PGPR treatments was more effective treatment on plant growth and alleviated the harmful effects of salinity stress on plant growth.

Climate change impact and adaptation on wheat yield, water use and water use efficiency at North Nile Delta

Investigation of climate change impacts on food security has become a global hot spot. Even so, efforts to mitigate these issues in arid regions have been insufficient. Thus, in this paper, further research is discussed based on data obtained from various crop and climate models. Two DSSATcrop models (CMs) (CERESWheat and N-Wheat) were calibrated with two wheat cultivars (Gemiza9 and Misr1). A baseline simulation (1981-2010) was compared with different scenarios of simulations using three Global Climate Models (GCMs) for the 2030s, 2050s and 2080s. Probable impacts of climate change were assessed using the GCMs and CMs under the high emission Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP8.5). Results predicted decreased wheat grain yields by a mean of 8.7%, 11.4% and 13.2% in the 2030s, 2050s and 2080s, respectively, relative to the baseline yield. Negative impacts of climatic change are probable, despite some uncertainties within the GCMs (i. e., 2.1%, 5.0% and 8.0%) and CMs (i.e., 2.2%, 6.0% and 9.2%). Changing the planting date with a scenario of plus or minus 5 or 10 days from the common practice was assessed as a potentially effective adaptation option, which may partially offset the negative impacts of climate change. Delaying the sowing date by 10 days (from 20 November to 30 November) proved the optimum scenario and decreased further reduction in wheat yields resulting from climate change to 5.2%, 6.8% and 8.5% in the 2030s, 2050s and 2080s, respectively, compared with the 20 November scenario. The planting 5-days earlier scenario showed a decreased impact on climate change adaptation. However, the 10-days early planting scenario increased yield reduction under projected climate change. The cultivar Misr1 was more resistant to rising temperature than Gemiza9. Despite the negative impacts of projected climate change on wheat production, water use efficiency would slightly increase. The ensemble of multi-model estimated impacts and adaptation uncertainties of climate change can assist decision-makers in planning climate adaptation strategies.

Interaction effect of skipping irrigation and co-inoculation with Bradyrhizobium and some strains of Bacillus bacteria on growth dynamics of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) its yield and water productivity

A field experiment was conducted at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafr El- Sheikh Governorate, North Nile Delta area, Egypt during the two successive growing seasons 2018 and 2019 to assess the interaction effect of skipping irrigation and co-inoculation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.), with Bradyrhizobium sp. and some strains of Bacillus bacteria on growth dynamics, yield and water productivity. Spilt- plot design was used, the main plots were assigned to four treatments of water stress; I1: control treatment (no stress); I2: withholding one irrigation at the vegetative growth stage; I3: withholding one irrigation at the flowering growth stage; I4: withholding one irrigation at pod formation stage; while inoculation treatments were assign to sub main plots which were T1: inoculation with Bradyrhizobium sp. TAL 169 (control); T2: inoculation with Bradyrhizobium sp. TAL 169 + B. subtilis MF497446; T3: inoculation with Bradyrhizobium sp. TAL 169 + B. coagulans NCAIM B.01123; T4: inoculation with Bradyrhizobium sp. TAL 169 + B. circulance NCAIM B.02324. Our results of this present investigation showed that the flowering stage is the most sensitive stage in connection with cowpea watering following with vegetative and pod formation stages. Also, treatment I4T4 recorded high values 7.61 g plant-1, 39.00, 0.388 g plant-1, 256.00 mg plant-1 and 1.054 mg g-1 FW at the first growing season for dry weight of plant, number of nodules plant-1, dry weight of nodules, N and total chlorophyll contents compared to other different treatments at 45 days after sowing (DAS), respectively. Similar trend was observed at 60 DAS. Irrigation at all stages accompanied with inoculation with Bradyrhizobium + B. circulance (I1T4 treatment) gave the highest number of pods plant-1, 100 seed weight and yield which the corresponding decrease in yield was 11.8, 1.4 and 0.4 %, for flowering, vegetative and pod formation stages, respectively. On the contrary, withdrawn irrigation at formation (I4) under T4 produced the highest values of productivity of irrigation water (PIW) and water productivity (WP). Herein, irrigation treatments followed the descending order of I1 > I2 > I3 > I4. However, it followed as T4 > T3 > T2 > T1 under inoculation treatments. Thus, inoculation with Bradyrhizobium sp. + B. circulance under withholding one irrigation at pod formation stage could be efficiently used to partially eliminate the effects of water stress on growth dynamics of cowpea.

Total and DTPA-extractable forms of potentially toxic metals in soils of rice fields, north Nile Delta of Egypt

Abstract The soil quality of rice fields in Egypt has been increasingly studied; however little attention has been paid to metal pollution. The current work aimed at investigating the distribution of total and DTPA-extractable Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, one of the greatest rice-producing regions in Egypt. The studied area covers 88709 ha between 31°01 ′ 30 ′ ′ to 31°25 ′ 05 ′ ′ N and 30°25 ′ 34 ′ ′ to 30°54 ′ 64 ′ ′ E. Twenty-five soil profiles were dug and 75 samples were collected at 0-30, 30-60 and 60-100 cm. The total and DTPA-extractable fractions of the studied metals showed decreases with depth. Total Co was within the safe limit, while Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn showed potential risks in the three layers. The DTPA-extractable forms of Cd, Co, Pb, and Ni were within the safe limits, while Cu and Zn surpassed these limits. The single pollution index and enrichment factor followed the sequence: Cd > Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni > Co. The pollution load index indicated high to extreme pollution levels in the topsoil, while moderate levels in the subsurface and deep layers. Metal availability ratios were less than 3% and closely related to pH, organic matter and Fe and Mn. Effective measures should be implemented to alleviate metals accumulation (mainly Cu and Zn) in rice soils to reduce their translocation from soil to edible parts of crops.

Modeling soil quality in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt using GIS techniques

Evaluating soil quality (SQ) is essential to track changes in soil performance in response to management practices. The current work aimed at using remote sensing and GIS to assess SQ in Dakahlia Governorate, north Nile Delta of Egypt. Twenty-one soil profiles representing the main geomorphic units in the area were dug and samples were collected from different horizons and analysed. Twenty-nine parameters were used to calculate 4 soil quality indices; chemical, physical, fertility and environmental. The four indices were assembled with the geomorphic units in four thematic layers, which were overlain in accordance with geometric mean algorism in a single map. The proposed model showed that about 29% of the total agricultural lands were classified as very high, 30% as high, 33% as moderate, 3% as low and 5% as very low quality. Results of the proposed model agreed with those calculated by the additive index in 95% of the cases, while they agreed with the weighted additive index in 71% of the cases. The Kappa statics indicated an almost perfect agreement between the proposed model and the additive model, while a moderate agreement with the weighted additive model. The proposed model had the highest sensitivity index, indicating its accuracy for evaluating SQ in the studied area. The developed model would provide a useful tool for proper monitoring of soil performance in the studied area.

Comparison between the pollution of Mariute lagoon bottom sediments by heavy metals before and after 2015, north Nile Delta, Egypt

Comparison between the pollution of Mariute lagoon bottom sediments by heavy metals before and after 2015, north Nile Delta, Egypt

Contribution of Groundwater to Wheat-Water Needs as Affected with Irrigation Scheduling in North Nile Delta

Contribution of Groundwater to Wheat-Water Needs as Affected with Irrigation Scheduling in North Nile Delta

Effect of Irrigation Scheduling and Intercropping Pattern on Growth, Yield, Quality of Green Onion, Lettuce and some Water Relations in North Nile Delta Region

Two field trials were performed at Sakha Agricultural Research Station Farm, Kafr El- Sheikh Governorate, during the two winter seasons 2017/18 and 2018/19 to study the influence of irrigation scheduling; traditional watering (I1), irrigation at 1.2(I2), 1.0(I3) and 0.8(I4) of accumulative pan evaporation(APE) and four systems of sole and intercropping pattern; sole green onion cv. Giza 6(P1), sole lettuce cv. Balady(P2), 2green onion : 1 lettuce(P3) and 1 green onion : 2 lettuce(P4) in a split plot design with four replications. Data indicated that the highest values for seasonal applied water (AW) and water consumptive use (CU) were registered under irrigation treatment(I2). For water consumptive use efficiency (Ecu%), the highest values were recorded under treatment (I1). productivity of irrigation water (PIW) and water productivity (WP) were clearly impacted by irrigation treatments, intercropping patterns in addition crop type where the highest values also recorded I2 besides P4. The results also revealed that yield, yield component and quality parameters for green onion; plant height, fresh weight of leaves, plant weight, leaf area/ plant, chlorophyll content and total yield as well as lettuce; plant height, leaf area/ plant, chlorophyll content, plant weight, head weight, diameter and total yield increased with increasing irrigation applied water. On contrary, for crop pattern the highest values for yield component recorded under sole crop but the total yield recorded under 1:2green onion- lettuce planting pattern. For gross return and increasing income was attained I2 besides P4. Land equivalent ratio (LER) exhibited higher values with I1 besides P4.

Mobility, distribution, and potential risk assessment of selected trace elements in soils of the Nile Delta, Egypt.

Environmental pollution has received considerable attention over the last 50 years. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in pollution of the Nile Delta, Egypt, which is one of the longest settled deltaic systems in the world. Pollution in the delta is increasingly recognized as a serious health concern that requires proper management of ecosystems. Therefore, this project aimed to study the distribution and assess the risk associated with selected trace elements (TEs) in different soils (i.e., marine, fluvial, and lacustrine parent materials) in the northern Nile Delta. Mehlich-3 extraction was used to determine the availability of antimony, vanadium, strontium, and molybdenum in agro-ecosystems in this area and their spatial distributions were investigated. Five indices were used to assess ecological risk. Results showed that TEs were higher in the southern part of the study area because it is affected by multiple pollution sources. The available concentrations of TEs were Sr < V < Sb < Mo. The bioavailability of Sr was highest among the studied TEs. The studied indices suggested the study area was moderately polluted by Sr and Sb. Furthermore, the results showed that marine soils had higher TE levels then lacustrine and fluvial soils. The ecological risk assessment indicated that V and Mo were of natural origin, while Sr and Sb were anthropogenically linked. Therefore, the situation calls for planning to reduce pollution sources, especially in the protected north Nile Delta, so these productive soils do not threaten human and ecological health.

Tracking Changes in Soil Fertility at North Nile Delta, Egypt Using GIS Techniques

Tracking changes in soil fertility is important to make essential decisions and strategies to achieve more sustainable agricultural systems. The main objective of this research was to evaluate and tracking changes of soil fertility status after 9 years ago from its first time of evaluation in the same area. The study area is situated at the latitude 31◦ 14΄ to 31◦ 29 E and 31◦ 14΄ to 31◦ 30 N (total area about 705 km2) in North Nile Delta soils using GIS techniques to prepare the soil fertility status map. Accordingly, 16 soil samples were collected based on the variability of land at a depth of 0-20 cm according to the previous study. The soil samples were analyzed for their some physiochemical properties and fertility properties. Evaluation of soil fertility and calculation of Fertility Index was performed using the Agriculture Land Evaluation System for arid and semi-arid regions (ASLE). The products of data of studied area were classified into four classes Fair, Poor, Very poor and Non agriculture according to fertility index, while studied previous was classified into three classes Fair, Poor, Very poor according to FI. Fertility index maps illustrate that some of the studied area have an increase in soil fertility and others have decline in soil fertility comparing with the previous study.

SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE (SCS) AS A TOOL FOR PROPER DESIGN OF COTTON-FURROW IRRIGATION IN CLAY SOIL

Flood surface irrigation is the main watering system in Egypt and worldwide. Proper design of such system is the milestone for up-grading and improving surface irrigation as for other irrigation systems. In this regard, the said Soil Conservation Service (S.C.S) developed by the soil reclamation bureau, USA was the used tool in the evaluating and assessment of the implemented or the practiced parameters, which executed in cotton furrow irrigation system design in the Northern Nile Delta area. The field trial was conducted during the two growing summer cotton seasons 2017 and 2018 at the experimental farm of Sakha Agricultural Research Station, North Nile Delta area. Combined effects of different land leveling (i.e. traditional, precession (dead level =zero level), 0.05 and 0.10%) and irrigation inflow rates. (2.0, 2.7 and 3.3 Lps/m widths) were used. The stated treatments were implemented at fixed furrow length and width of 40.0 m and 0.75 m. respectively. The comparing elements between design created by SCS and the actual practiced measures were: furrow inflow rate (Lps/m), irrigation time (min.), advance time (min.), recession time (min.), opportunity time (min.), depth applied (mm), deep percolation (mm), deep percolation ratio and irrigation application efficiency (IAE).Moreover, extensive economic evaluation was done regarding seed cotton yield, total return, benefit/cost ratio and the specific cost. Analysis of obtained data revealed that application efficiency is acceptable for inflow rate at 2.0 Lps/m width along with precession land leveling of 0.05 or 0.10%, providing the importance of using SCS in design furrow irrigation system in the clayey soils at North Nile Delta. Moreover, maximum water well land productivity were observed under the stated treatment (2.0 Lps/m width with 0.05 or 0.10% land leveling)

The Prediction and Assessment of the Impacts of Soil Sealing on Agricultural Land in the North Nile Delta (Egypt) Using Satellite Data and GIS Modeling

Soil sealing is currently one of the most critical barriers to sustainable development, particularly in developing countries such as Egypt. Agriculture is a major component of the Egyptian economy and the country’s main source of food security. Urbanization is devouring vast areas of agricultural land, and therefore, in the present study, urbanization was used to determine the degree of soil sealing in a region of Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, Egypt. In this work, remote sensing data were used to monitor changes in land use and land cover (LULC) between 1984 and 2016. A field survey and population data were also used in the analysis. Support vector machine (SVM) classification was used to produce LULC maps of the study area. An accuracy assessment was performed by calculating overall accuracy and individual kappa coefficients. Additionally, soil sealing was assessed using data from 1984 to 2016, and the potential expansion of soil sealing until 2048 was simulated using the cellular automata (CA)–Markov model. Our analysis showed that in the study area (i) about 90% of the soils had soil capability degrees between class II and class III; (ii) soil sealing was not uniformly distributed in the study area; (iii) between 1984 and 2016, the area of soil sealing in fertile soils due to urbanization increased by 19,500 hectares; and (iv) between 1984 and 2000, the urban area increased by around 29%, whereas between 2000 and 2010 it increased by around 43.6%. The results suggest that the magnitude of soil sealing is a good indicator of the soil loss rate and the potential for agricultural development in the Nile Delta. The model predicted that by 2048 an area of 32,290 hectares of agricultural soil will be lost to urbanization. This study indicates that the change of LULC has a negative impact on soil sealing. Between 2000 and 2010, the area of agricultural land decreased by 4%, despite an increase in land reclamation in the north of the study area. The amount of soil sealing was found to increase towards the southeast and northeast of the study area, except for the northern parts, where the amount of soil sealing increased towards the east. Our analyses and forecasts are useful for decision-makers responsible for soil-sealing mitigation strategies and soil-sealing protection plans in the Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, Egypt.

Integrated effect of nano-Zn, nano-Si, and drainage using crop straw–filled ditches on saline sodic soil properties and rice productivity

Soil salinity and sodicity issues due to limited water resources and arid climate are the main sources of land degradation in the North Nile delta. Moreover, burning rice and cotton straw is a very common practice in this region contributing to global warming and further polluting the environment. Improving saline sodic properties by biological drainage has received less attention so far. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of burying some crop residuals in field ditches and foliar application of nanoparticles on salt affected soil properties and rice productivity. The obtained results revealed that burying rice or cotton straw in field ditches prior to rice planting resulted in significant increase in rice yield and its components with superiority of cotton stalk–filled ditches to that filled by rice straw especially in the second season. Likewise, the incorporation of crop residual improved soil properties including soil fertility. The decomposition of rice straw or cotton stalk obviously decreased soil electric conductivity and soil compaction and slightly decreased bulk density. Also, soil hydraulic conductivity and organic matter content were positively responded to incorporation of crop residues. In addition, the availability of N and Zn in soil was increased due to the application of crop residues. The yield and yield components of rice were significantly affected by the foliar application of nano-Si and Zn with superiority of nano-Zn. Also, soil properties such as soil salinity, bulk density, soil compaction, hydraulic conductivity, organic matter, and available nitrogen were slightly affected by these nanoparticles while the available Zn was clearly increased.

Profile Distribution and Source Identification of Potentially Toxic Elements in North Nile Delta, Egypt

ABSTRACTVertical distribution and source appointment of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) provide a deeper vision for soil contamination. Contamination factor (CF), contamination degree (CD), enrichment factor (EF), principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (CA) were used for soil contamination assessment in north Nile Delta, Egypt. Twenty-one soil profiles representing main geomorphic units were dug, and 63 soil samples were collected at three depth intervals (0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm). Mean values of the three layers showed that Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mo, and V did not exceed average natural content of the Earth’s crust, while As, Cd, Co, Ni, and Zn exceeded that limit, except in the sand sheets unit. The studied elements showed irregular vertical distribution trend, except Cr, Ni, and Mo. Both Cr and Ni showed a downward migration, while Mo accumulated in the topsoil. Based on mean values, the CF indicated low contamination with Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Mo and V, moderate contamination with Cd and Zn, considerable contamination with As, Co, and Ni, while the CD was low to considerable. Furthermore, the EF indicated safe degree for Cr, Cu, Pb, Mo and V, deficiency to a minimal degree for Cd and Zn, while moderate degree for As, Co, and Ni. The PCA and CA indicated that soil parent materials controlled Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Co, Pb, Ni, Mo, and V, while agricultural activities controlled As, Cd and Zn. Similar investigations should be considered in various regions in Egypt to verify potential sources of PTEs and to manage pollution of agricultural fields.