Saline Calcareous Soil Research Articles

The role of organic amendments combined with nitrogen fertilizers in enhancing nitrogen use efficiency for wheat in saline calcareous soil

This study investigates the effects of combining different nitrogen fertilizers with organic amendments and Azospirillum brasilense on wheat growth, yield, and nutrient uptake in saline calcareous soil, with a goal of enhancing crop productivity while reducing environmental impacts. The objective was to evaluate treatments involving ammonium sulfate (AS), urea, and sulfur-coated urea (SCU), mixed with organic amendments such as Moringa seed residues (MSR), biogas manure (BM), and vermicompost (Ver), along with Azospirillum brasilense (ASB). Among these treatments, SCU emerged as the most effective nitrogen source, especially when combined with Vermicompost and ASB. Key results include the following: the highest Chlorophyll a content of 1.96 mg/g f wt was observed in the SCU treatment with Ver and ASB; Likewise, the same treatment exhibited the highest values of Chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and proline; the tallest plant height (117.50 cm) was also achieved with this combination; and the highest straw and grain weights (2.63 g/plant and 2.22 g/plant, respectively) came from the same treatment. Additionally, this treatment yielded the highest protein content at 19.29%. In terms of nutrient uptake, SCU-based treatments consistently demonstrated the highest values. The SCU with Ver + ASB treatment recorded the highest nitrogen uptake in straw at 78.64 mg plant−1, phosphorus uptake at 12.86 mg plant−1, and potassium uptake at 61.66 mg plant−1. Similarly, this combination yielded the highest N, P, and K uptake in grains, with 68.05, 10.88, and 53.15 mg plant-1, respectively. e

Fulvic and Salicylic Acids Improve Morpho-Physio-Biochemical Attributes, Yield and Fruit Quality of Two Mango Cultivars Exposed to Dual Salinity and Heat Stress Conditions

Abstract Purpose The present research’s main objective was to explore the potential stimulative effect of fulvic acid (FA) as a soil conditioner and salicylic acid (SA) as foliar spraying on morpho-physio-biochemical attributes, fruit yield, and quality of ‘Sediek’ and ‘Ewais’ mango cultivars (cvs.) grown under saline calcareous soil and heat stress conditions Methods Eight treatments, namely, 200 (FA200) and 400 (FA400) g FA tree−1 as a soil addition, 200 (SA200) or 400 (SA400) mg SA L−1 as foliar spraying, and their bilateral combinations (e.g., FA200 + SA200, FA200 + SA400, FA400 + SA200, and FA400 + SA400) compared to untreated control on morpho-physio-biochemical attributes, yield, and fruit quality of ‘Sediek’ and ‘Ewais’ mango cvs. grown under saline calcareous soil and heat stress conditions were assessed. These treatments were carried out using a split-plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design replicated three times during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Results Cultivar Sediek had higher SPAD value, leaf proline and phenolic content, leaf area, fruit weight, yield and vitamin C than Ewais which had higher tree water status and shoot length. Saline calcareous and heat-stressed mango trees without FA or/and SA treatment had a significant decline in their water status, photosynthetic traits, biochemical responses that adversely affected growth and yield and fruit quality. However, soil FA addition and foliar SA spraying alone or in combination at any application level attenuated the negative effects of saline calcareous and heat-stress conditions via enhancing the morpho-physio-biochemical attributes, positively reflecting in tree growth, yield, and fruit quality. FA treatment alone improved tree water status (membrane stability index; MSI and relative water content; RWC), photosynthetic traits (SPAD value and maximum photochemical efficiency; Fv/Fm), leaf area, fruit weight, fruit yield, and fruit vitamin C (fruit vit.C), while SA treatment alone enhanced leaf proline and phenolic content, shoot length, and fruit total soluble solids (fruit TSS) compared to the non-FA or SA-treated control. Moreover, co-application of FA400 and SA400 effectively alleviated the harmful impacts of dual stress of heat and salinity on mango trees by improving MSI, RWC, SPAD value, Fv/Fm, proline and phenolic content, fruit weight, fruit yield, fruit TSS, fruit vit.C by 19.7, 26.1, 46.7, 18.7, 101.7, 390.7, 42.7, 6.8, 22.6, 69.6% (averages of the two seasons), respectively, compared to the non-FA or SA-treated trees. Conclusion It is recommended to add 400 g FA tree−1 to soil integrated with 400 mg SA L−1 foliar spraying four times at 30-day intervals for improving water status and photosynthetic traits, proline and phenolic accumulation, thereby growth, yield, and fruit quality of mango trees exposed to dual stress of heat and salinity under arid conditions.

Incorporation of compost and biochar enhances yield and medicinal compounds in seeds of water-stressed Trigonella foenum-graecum L. plants cultivated in saline calcareous soils

BackgroundThe combination of compost and biochar (CB) plays an important role in soil restoration and mitigation strategies against drought stress in plants. In the current study, the impact of CB was determined on the characteristics of saline calcareous soil and the productivity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) plants. The field trials examined CB rates (CB0, CB10 and CB20 corresponding to 0, 10, and 20 t ha‒1, respectively) under deficit irrigation [DI0%, DI20%, and DI40% receiving 100, 80, and 60% crop evapotranspiration (ETc), respectively] conditions on growth, seed yield (SY), quality, and water productivity (WP) of fenugreek grown in saline calcareous soils.ResultsIn general, DI negatively affected the morpho-physio-biochemical responses in plants cultivated in saline calcareous soils. However, amendments of CB10 or CB20 improved soil structure under DI conditions. This was evidenced by the decreased pH, electrical conductivity of soil extract (ECe), and bulk density but increased organic matter, macronutrient (N, P, and K) availability, water retention, and total porosity; thus, maintaining better water and nutritional status. These soil modifications improved chlorophyll, tissue water contents, cell membrane stability, photosystem II photochemical efficiency, photosynthetic performance, and nutritional homeostasis of drought-stressed plants. This was also supported by increased osmolytes, non-enzymatic, and enzymatic activities under DI conditions. Regardless of DI regimes, SY was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved by 40.0 and 102.5% when plants were treated with CB10 and CB20, respectively, as similarly observed for seed alkaloids (87.0, and 39.1%), trigonelline content (43.8, and 16.7%) and WP (40.9, and 104.5%) over unamended control plants.ConclusionsOverall, the application of organic amendments of CB can be a promising sustainable solution for improving saline calcareous soil properties, mitigating the negative effects of DI stress, and enhancing crop productivity in arid and semi-arid agro-climates.

Biochar: A Surrogate Approach to Modulating Soil Chemical Properties and Germination Parameters of Barley Seedlings Grown in saline-calcareous soil

Biochar: A Surrogate Approach to Modulating Soil Chemical Properties and Germination Parameters of Barley Seedlings Grown in saline-calcareous soil

Application of bio-organic amendments improves soil quality and yield of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) plants in saline calcareous soil

The impact of bio-organic amendments on crop production is poorly understood in saline calcareous soils. The aim in the present study was to determine the effects of the application of organic manure along with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on soil quality, and morpho-physio-biochemical responses, seed yield (SY) and essential oil yield (EOY) of fennel plants (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) grown in saline calcareous soils. Eight treatments of farmyard manure (FM) or poultry manure (PM) individually or combined with Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) and/or Lactococcus lactis (Ll) were applied to saline calcareous soil in two growing seasons. Either FM or PM combined with LAB had beneficial effects on lowering ECe, pH and bulk density and increasing total porosity, organic matter, and water and nutrient retention capacities in addition to total bacterial population in the soil. Growth, nutrient uptake, SY and EOY of plants were also enhanced when fennel seeds were inoculated with Lp and/or Ll and the soil was amended with any of the organic manures under unfavorable conditions. Compared to control (no bio-organic amendments), FM + Lp + Lt or PM + Lp + Lt treatment signficantlly (P ≤ 0.05) increased plant height by 86.2 or 65.0%, total chlorophyll by 73 or 50%, proline by 35 or 45%, glutathione by 100 or 138%, SY by 625 or 463% and EOY by 300 or 335%, respectively, in fennel plants. Co-application of the naturally occurring microorganisms (i.e., LAB) and organically-derived, nutrient-rich fertilizer (i.e., FM or PM) is recommended to improve yield of fennel plants in saline calcareous soils.

Spirulina platensis-Inoculated Humified Compost Boosts Rhizosphere Soil Hydro-Physico-Chemical Properties and Atriplex nummularia Forage Yield and Quality in an Arid Saline Calcareous Soil

Spirulina platensis-Inoculated Humified Compost Boosts Rhizosphere Soil Hydro-Physico-Chemical Properties and Atriplex nummularia Forage Yield and Quality in an Arid Saline Calcareous Soil

Effect of pre-sowing magnetic treatment of seeds with bio- and mineral fertilization on the soybean cultivated in a saline calcareous soil

<p>Bio-farming is an eco-friendly advance that minimizes the required chemical additives for optimizing the quality of crops that their storage is often accompanied by seeds’ components degradation. Magnetic treatment of seed was considered as a promising tool improves germination and growth. This study aims to evaluate the effect of individual and combined application of bio-fertilizers and the N-P-K mineral fertilizers preceded by magnetic treatment of dry and/or water-soaked seeds before sowing on the yield and quality of soybean cultivated in a saline soil.The field experiment was carried out in a split-split plot design with triplicates. The main two factors (F1) were not bio-fertilized and bio-fertilized plots. The sub-factors (F2) were three application rates (A: 50%, B: 75%, and C: 100%) of recommended doses of the three N, P, K fertilizers. The sub-sub factors (F3) were seeds not magnetically treated (NM) and magnetically treated (M). All factors were studied for dry soybean seeds (without soaking) and soaked seeds in magnetically treated water. After harvesting, soil and plant samples were analyzed. The most significant increase in the soybean seed yield (kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) was by 49.98% for the bio-fertilized magnetized dry seeds at 75% and 100% mineral N-P-K fertilization compared with the NM soaked seeds at 50% N-P-K (A rate) without bio-fertilization. The 75% mineral fertilization significantly increased the protein (%) by 41.69% and decreased the proline (mg g<sup>-1</sup>dw) by 46.68%. Magnetic treatment of seeds before cultivation and combined bio/mineral N-P-K fertilization reduced the Proline that alleviats the stress conditions.</p>

Evolution of salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana on siliceous soils does not confer tolerance to saline calcareous soils

PurposeAlkaline salinity constrains crop yield. Previously, we observed local adaptation of Arabidopsis thaliana to saline-siliceous soils (pH ≤ 7) and to non-saline carbonate soils. However, no natural population of A. thaliana was localized on saline-alkaline soils. This suggests that salinity tolerance evolved on saline-siliceous soils may not confer tolerance to alkaline salinity. This hypothesis was explored by addressing physiological and molecular responses to alkaline salinity of A. thaliana that differ in tolerance to either non-alkaline salinity or carbonate.MethodsA. thaliana native to saline-siliceous soils (high salinity, HS), non-saline carbonate soils (high alkalinity, HA), or soils with intermediate levels of these factors (medium saline-alkalinity, MSA) were cultivated in common gardens on saline-siliceous or saline-calcareous substrates. Hydroponics and irrigation experiments confirmed the phenotypes. The growth, mineral concentrations, proline content, osmotic potential, genetic variation distribution, and expression levels of selected genes involved in salinity and alkalinity tolerance were assessed.ResultsHS performed best on saline-siliceous soil and in hydroponics with salinity (pH 5.9). However, HS was more sensitive to saline-alkaline conditions than HA and MSA. The fitness under saline-alkaline conditions was ranked according to MSA > HA > HS. Under alkaline salinity, MSA best maintained ion homeostasis, osmotic balance, and higher expression levels of key genes involved in saline or alkaline tolerance (AHA1, root HKT1 and FRO2, and shoot NHX1 and IRT1).ConclusionIn A. thaliana, salinity tolerance evolved on saline-siliceous soils does not provide tolerance to alkaline salinity. Plants native to intermediate conditions (MSA) have more plasticity to adapt to alkaline salinity than those locally adapted to these individual stress factors.

Filter Mud Enhanced Yield and Soil Properties of Water-Stressed Lupinus termis L. in Saline Calcareous Soil

Filter Mud Enhanced Yield and Soil Properties of Water-Stressed Lupinus termis L. in Saline Calcareous Soil

Physiological Response and Productivity of Alfalfa to Potassium Foliar and Soil Applications under Saline Calcareous Soil Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at Nubaria Agricultural Research Station, El-Behira Government, Egypt along the duration of 2015 to 2017 to study the physiological response and productivity of alfalfa (cv., Nubaria1) to seven potassium fertilization treatment of 0, 28.6, 57.14Kg/ha as soil dressing, spraying with 1%K2O and 2% K2O alone or in combination with adding 28.6Kg K2O/ha under saline calcareous soil conditions. Experimental design was Randomized Complete Block design with four replications. Eighteen successive cuts were taken (Nine cuts /year), to estimate growth and physiological parameters, and alfalfa productivity. Potassium fertilization treatments had significant effects on all studied traits in individual cuts except the 1st and 9th cuts in the first year and 2nd cut in the second year for plant height, the 2nd and 7th cuts in the two years for dry matter%, the 2nd cut in the second year for dry forage Kg/m2 and 1st, 4th and 5th cuts for protein content in the first year. In general, plant height, leaf steam ratio, green forage yield Kg/m2, dry matter%, dry forage yield Kg/m2, relative water content, K+ content, K+/Na+ ratio and protein content increased significantly when plants received 28.6 K2O/ha + 2%K2O and 57Kg K2O/ ha with insignificant difference as compared with other potassium treatments. Also, a significant increase was recorded in Na+ content in leaves under control K+ treatment (0 K2O/ha). Linear relationship was found between potassium fertilization rates (soil dressing, foliar application as well as 28.6KgK2O/ha +foliar1 and 2% applications) and fresh forage weight t/ha. The linear regression equation showed that as potassium fertilizer rate (soil dressing) increased by one unite/ha, fresh forage weight/ha increased by 1.139t/ha and as potassium fertilizer rate (foliar application) increased by one unite/ha, fresh forage weight/ha increased by 3.112t/ha. In addition, the highest fresh forage weight/ha (125.850 t/ha) was produced under treatment of 28.6KgK2O/ha + 2%K2O. Highly positive significant correlation coefficients were found for all traits except the relation between Na+ content and other traits which was a highly significant negative relationship. Profitability assessment results revealed that addition of 28.6KgK2O/ha with foliar application of 2%K2O as potassin 30%K2O followed by addition of 57.14KgK2O/ha markedly obtained the highest values of alfalfa yield with insignificant difference. These results were incorporated with the highest values of output, net income and the investment ratio. Results indicated that controlling soil fertility, especially K+ as soil application, in addition to foliar application under saline calcareous soil condition is considered to be one of the most important factors to overcome the negative effects of salinity stress.

Exogenously applied proline enhances growth and productivity of drought stressed onion by improving photosynthetic efficiency, water use efficiency and up-regulating osmoprotectants

Drought and salinity are the main limiting factors negatively affect plant growth and productivity. Proline is recently reported to play a positive role in plants exposed to various abiotic stresses. A two year field experiment was implemented consecutively to assess the potential effect of exogenously applied proline (1 and 2 mM) under different irrigation water regimes (IWR) (120 %, 100 %, 80 % and 60 % of ETc.) on growth, plant defense system, physio-biochemical attributes, bulb yield and water use efficiency of onion cultivated in saline calcareous soil. Results showed that, exogenously-applied proline significantly enhanced growth as well as, plant water status, photosynthetic efficiency, and osmoprotectants of drought-stressed onion which consequently reflected in increased bulb yield. Treatments of 80 % and 60 % of ETc had increased water use efficiency (WUE) by 32.0 % and 26.5 % respectively, compared to full irrigation (100 % of ETc). The effect of proline was negligible on unstressed plants, but when applied under deficit irrigation (DI) treatments (80 and 60 % of ETc), WUE reached 50 % higher than control. These plants also had a higher content of total soluble sugars but a lower content of proline and amino acids. Exogenous proline application markedly enhanced onion growth traits compared to non-treated plants due to increased cell membrane integrity (MSI) and leaf water content (RWC), also improved photosynthetic efficiency and up-regulated osmoprotectants contents. Results revealed that proline foliar application on onion plants might attenuate drought stress by increasing their sugar content and via improving plant self-defense system. Consequently, combination of DI at 80 % and 1−2 mM proline is highly recommended to attain optimal yield with the opportunity of saving 20−40 % of irrigation water during onion growing season.

Influence of Organic Manures on Soil Characteristics and Yield of Jerusalem Artichoke

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to study the influence of three organic manures, farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PLM), and pigeon manure (PGM), on soil physical and chemical properties on tuber yield of Jerusalem artichoke in a newly reclaimed saline calcareous soil. A field experiment was conducted applying the three manures, alone and/or in different combinations. Soils were investigated at surface (0–30 cm) and subsurface (30–60 cm) layers before and after planting, and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. The results indicated that the application of 31.5 kg ha−1 of PLM+10.5 kg of PGM T7 recorded highest available nitrogen, zinc, copper, and moisture content at the surface layer. The same results were obtained for iron and manganese at both layers. While, applying 21.0 kg ha−1 FYM+21.0 kg ha−1 PLM T10 recorded the best treatment for pH, phosphorus, zinc, copper, moisture content, and saturation percentage at the subsurface layer. Applying 21.0 kg ha−1 PGM + 10.5 kg ha−1 FYM+10.5 kg ha−1 PLM T15 recorded the best treatment for organic matter content and bulk density at surface layer and reduced the electrical conductivity and inulin tuber content at both layers. On the other hand, calcium carbonate and sodium adsorption ratio were reduced in both layers by applying 21.0 kg ha−1 PLM+10.5 kg ha−1 FYM+10.5 kg ha−1 PGM T14. The best treatment for tuber nitrogen content and total yield was obtained with applying 42.0 kg ha−1 PLM T2 only and 31.5 kg ha−1 FYM+10.5 kg ha−1 PLM T4, respectively.

Improved Phosphorus Uptake by Wheat Plant (Triticum aestivum L.) with Rhizosphere Fluorescent Pseudomonads Strains Under Water-Deficit Stress

The aim of this study was to characterize fluorescent pseudomonads isolates of dryland wheat for salinity and drought tolerance and plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits in the presence or absence of salinity (4% NaCl) and evaluate the effect of two effective strains, Pseudomonas helmanticensis B30 and P. baetica B21, on phosphorus (P) uptake by wheat plant grown in a saline calcareous soil fertilized with rock phosphate (RP) and triple superphosphate (TSP) under water-deficit stress (55% of field capacity (FC) and 88% FC). All fluorescent pseudomonads isolates had the ability to grow at different drought stress levels and at salinity level of 4% NaCl. In addition, a significant percentage of these isolates retained their ability to produce PGP traits (especially P solubilization and indole-3-acetic acid production) in the presence of salinity. The results showed that 80% FC moisture level compared to 55% FC moisture level significantly increased plant growth indices and P uptake by wheat plant. In most of the measured parameters, RP treatment (8 mg P kg−1 soil) alone did not show any significant difference compared to negative control (without RP and TSP), but combination treatments with RP and TSP at all levels (3, 6, and 9 mg P kg−1 soil) increased these parameters compared to negative control. In non-stress and water-deficit stress conditions, bacterial strains significantly increased soil available P, growth indices (a 41.6% increase in root dry weight and an 11% increase in shoot dry weight), grain yield (a 17% increase), shoot P uptake of wheat plant as compared to control (without bacterial strains). Overall, the results of this study showed that dryland wheat rhizosphere harbors drought- and salinity-tolerant phosphate-solubilizing fluorescent pseudomonads isolates with potential of producing PGP traits in the presence or absence of salinity and improving P uptake by the plant under water-deficit stress.

Effect of Irrigation Regimes on Alfalfa Productivity and Quality under Saline Calcareous Soil Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at Nubaria Agricultural Research Station during 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 to study the effect of irrigation regimes under saline calcareous soil on fresh and dry yields, quality, water requirements and productivity. Four irrigation regimes with amount of water equals potential evapotranspiration were used as irrigation with amount of water equal potential evapotranspiration (ETp) plus 10%, 20%, 30% and/or 40% as leaching requirements (LR). Average of calcareous soil salinity treatments were S1 equal 2 dSm-1, S2 equal 6 dSm-1 and S3 equal 10 dSm-1. Results indicated that there were significant effects among irrigation and soil salinity treatments on fresh and dry alfalfa yields through the combination of two years. The highest values of fresh and dry yields were 217.736 and 49.861 ton/ha, respectively that was obtained by I1S1 interaction, while the lowest values were 140.0 and 35.91 ton/ha was obtained by I4S2 interaction. Fresh and dry yields were decreased by 28.4 and 18.13% at I1S2 and by 14.6 and 13.19% at I1S3, respectively compared with that obtained by I1S1. Results of I3S3 and I4S3 were given the highest values of N and CP percentages. The water requirements values for alfalfa were 126.0, 135.2, 144.3 and 153.9 cm in the first year, while in the second year they were 128.8, 140.2, 152.0 and 163.8 cm for irrigation treatments, respectively. Also, the highest values of the productivity of irrigation water (PIW) were 8.93 and 8.17 kg/m3 water in 1st and 2nd years, which was I1S1.

Leaching of Saline Calcareous Soil under Laboratory Conditions

Soil salinity is a major problem in Kerman pistachio (Pistacia vera) orchards which caused low pistachio’s productivity in recent years. Farmers excessively use gypsum and sulfuric acid amendments to remediate saline soils in their pistachio orchards overcoming this problem. The aim of this study was to investigate type of amendments and the pore volumes of water (PVs) required to efficiently leach excessive salts from saline-calcareous soil. Laboratory experiments were conducted using soil columns that were collected from a pistachio orchard near Kerman city. Four treatments, including irrigation water (control), sulfuric acid, gypsum, and dissolved gypsum were applied to remove salt from these soil columns with using different PVs of water. The concentrations of removed cations and salt from the soil columns were measured by analysis of effluent continuously. The results demonstrated that the effect of chemical amendments in removing soluble salts, sodium, magnesium and calcium was similar to irrigation water and did not differ significantly. Thus, irrigation water removed 62% of the total sodium, 73% of magnesium, and 70% of soluble salts from the soil column up to 1.5 PVs of effluent. Application of chemical amendments was not beneficial to infiltration rate in comparison with irrigation water. Thus, the efficiency of only 1.5 PVs of irrigation water without any amendments can be recommended as the appropriate strategy for practical reclamation of the studied soil.

Integrative Soil Application of Humic Acid and Sulfur Improves Saline Calcareous Soil Properties and Barley Plant Performance

ABSTRACTDuring the 2017 and 2018 seasons, two field experiments were conducted on newly reclaimed saline calcareous soil (7.13 dS m‒1, 16.9% CaCO3) in the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Demo, Fayoum Governorate, Egypt. The current work aimed at identifying the potential positive effects of applied humic acid (HA) and elemental sulfur (S) on some soil properties and barley plant performance. The results showed that the application of HA and/or S at different rates ameliorated the adverse effects of saline calcareous soil conditions and significantly reduced some chemical properties of the soil (e.g., pH, ECe, and CaCO3%), while soil organic matter (OM%) and some nutrients (e.g., P, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) contents were significantly increased. In addition, the contents of nutrients (e.g., P, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) in barley plant and yielded grain, grain content of N and protein (%), and the performance (e.g., plant height, spike length, grain and straw yields, and weight of 1000-grain) of barley plant were significantly increased with the application of HA and/or S. The best results were obtained through the integrative application of 100 kg HA + 400 kg S ha‒1 to the tested saline calcareous soil. Therefore, the integrative soil application of 100 kg HA + 400 kg S ha‒1 can be recommended for the cultivation and sustainability of crop production in saline calcareous soil, in addition to rationalize the use of mineral fertilizers, which represent a surplus point for the sustainable agriculture system.

Response of Jerusalem artichoke Plants Grown under Saline Calcareous soil to Application of Different Combined Organic Manures

Two field experiments were successfully carried out to evaluate the potential influences of three organic manure (farmyard, FYM, poultry, PLM, and pigeon PGM) applied in different combinations on growth and tuber yield, and biochemical constituents of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) plants. The results indicated that organic treatments improved all tested parameters, with different degrees, compared to the control. In the first season (2016/2017), the combined PLM + PGM treatment (T2) produced the highest values of No. of leaves, leaf and stem fresh and dry weights, tuber fresh and dry weights, and tuber nitrogen content. The combined PGM + ½ FYM + ½ PLM) treatment (T6) produced the highest values of plant height, No. of lateral shoots, tuber phosphorus, cadmium and nickel content. While combined FYM + PLM treatment (T1), produced the highest values of leaf nitrogen content and total yield. While, the combined FYM + ½ PLM + ½ PGM treatment (T4) showed the best number of lateral shoots, leaf fresh and dry weights, tuber fresh weight and total tuber yield, leaf phosphorus and tuber nitrogen contents in the second season (2017/2018). However, the combined FYM + PGM treatment (T3) produced the highest values of total phenolic compounds, leaf phosphorus and tuber potassium contents, and the combined PGM + ½FYM + ½PLMtreatment (T6) was the best for inulin percentage in both seasons. The results of this study recommend using organic fertilizers, especially the combined T1 or T4 for Jerusalem artichoke.

Water deficit stress mitigation by foliar application of potassium silicate for sugar beet grown in a saline calcareous soil

Drought stress is a serious abiotic factor that limit yield and quality of many crops grown in newly reclaimed lands of Egypt. A field experiment in split-plot design was conducted to assess the usefulness of potassium silicate [K2SiO3 (K-silicate)] on alleviating drought stress on sugar beet grown in a calcareous soil. The main plots were assigned for three irrigation intervals as 8, 14 and 20 days, whereas the subplots were assigned for four K-silicate foliar spray concentrations (0, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg L-1 silicate). The results indicated that increasing the irrigation interval from 8 to 14 and 20 days caused a significant reduction in sugar beet yield. However, irrigation with interval 14 days and spraying K-silicate at concentrations of 1000 mg L-1 silicate gave root fresh yield of 51.65 Mg ha-1, compared with 38.81 mg L-1 obtained without spraying K-silicate. Likewise, spraying K-silicate in concentration of 1000 mg L-1 silicate increased N, P and K removal in shoot by 66.0, 15.5 and 134.2 kg ha-1 and in root by 152.0, 34.4 and 244.2 kg ha-1, respectively. These values were 64.6, 14.2 and 122.6 kg ha-1 in shoot and 128.4, 29.0 and 223.1 kg ha-1 in root without spraying K-silicate, respectively. Spraying K-silicate showed also the potential to increase fertilizer use efficiency, and hence can save fertilizers. For instance, increasing irrigation interval to 14 days without spraying K-silicate gave partial factor productivity (PFP) of N, P and K fertilizers to the levels of 647, 1252 and 1552 kg root kg-1 fertilizer, respectively. However, spraying K-silicate at concentration of 1000 mg L-1 silicate increased these values to 861, 1666 and 2066 kg root kg-1 fertilizer, respectively. In conclusion, this study suggests that spraying K-silicate has the potential to alleviate the negative effects of drought stress on sugar beet yield grown in calcareous soils.

IMPACT OF SOME SOIL AMENDMENTS ON PROPERTIES OF SALT AFFECTED CALCAREOUS SOIL AND SALINITY HARMFUL IN TOMATO PLANT (Lycopersicon esculentum)

An experiment was carried out in plastic pots under greenhouse condition during (2) successive season to investigate the effect of the organic manures (compost, peat moss, chicken and pigeon manures) or soil conditioners (vermiculite and perlite) on some properties of saline calcareous soil and tomato plant enzymes. The obtained results manifested that application of the aforementioned amendments improved soil aggregates, pH, EC, SP, cation and anion and availability of K. Likewise it decreased the activity of Catalase, Peroxidase and Superoxide dismutase tomato plants. The most beneficial influence of the above-mentioned parameters was observed with addition of peat moss, chicken manure and soil conditioners.

Effect of Different Sources of Potassium on the Nutrient Status of Saline Calcareous Soil and Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Yield and Quality

Effect of Different Sources of Potassium on the Nutrient Status of Saline Calcareous Soil and Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Yield and Quality