Typic Torripsamments Research Articles

Soil quality and land capability evaluation for agriculture in Balat area, El Dakhla Oasis, western Desert, Egypt

This research aimed to evaluate the land capability and soil health of the Balat area, El-Dakhla Oasis, Egypt. To achieve this objective, thirty soil profiles were chosen to represent the study area and soil samples were collected from each layer of each soil profile. Soil samples were analyzed for their physical, chemical, and fertility properties. These soils were characterized and classified. The obtained results were mapped for spatial variability distribution using ArcGIS software. The land capability was evaluated using the modified Storie index and the Microcomputer Land Elevation Information system (MicroLEIS). The soil quality index (SQI) was also calculated based on soil physical, chemical, and fertility indices. The obtained results revealed that the studied soils were alkaline, slightly saline to moderately saline, light to heavy textured, non-calcareous to calcareous, and poor in organic matter and nutrients. These soils were classified into two orders (Entisols and Aridisols), whereas they were found in three subgroups (Typic Torripsamments, Typic Torriorthents, and Typic Haplosalids). The modified Storie index was found to be better than the MicroLEIS Cervatana model in evaluating land capability. Four land capability grades were obtained from the Storie index (Grade 2 = Good; Grade 3 = Fair; Grade 4 = Poor; and Grade 5 = Non-agricultural), while two grades were recorded in MicroLEIS (S3 and N). The main limitations of the study area were soil texture, salinity, organic matter, and ESP. Regarding the soil quality, two grades were obtained from the applied method (moderate = 0.35–0.59 and good = 0.60–0.79). Spatial variability maps were generated for land capability methods as well as the soil quality. Therefore, these results and maps can be utilized as a guide for better planning and land resource management in the Balat area.

Impact of Nanoparticles from Ball-Milled Date Palm Biochar on the Hydro-Physical Characteristics of Sandy Soils

Water management in sandy soils (Typic Torripsamments) is crucial in sustaining agricultural production. The main goal of this research was to assess the impact of date palm biochar on the physical properties of sandy soil with different particle sizes of biochar (macro and nano). For nano-biochar preparation, stick chips were established into a tubular furnace with nitrogen air and heated to 400–450 °C, which was accompanied by a holding period of 4 h. The ball-milled biochar was inclined via ball grinding in a model number PQN2.110 planetary mill and within jars (500 mL), and the biochar-to-sphere mass ratio was 1:100. The sphere-milling apparatus was processed at a speed of 300 rpm for 13 h. Laboratory experiments were carried out at one rate—biochar 5%—and three depths (0.0–5, 5–10, and 10–15 cm). Applying macro-biochar reduced cumulative evaporation compared to the control by 4%, 24%, and 14% for the macro-biochar particles at soil depths. In contrast, biochar reduced cumulative evaporation compared to the control by 8%, 12%, and 4% for the nano-biochar particles at the soil depths tested. Adding biochar significantly raised the amount of retained water, with the highest level recorded at the 5–10 cm depth, while the variations were significantly lower between the macro and nano-biochar when in the direction of the soil surface (0–5 cm), indicating the significance of mixing biochar with the top 10 cm of the soil to increase its ability to reduce evaporation and increase the amount of water retained in the soils. It could be concluded that applying at the top of the coarse soil can positively impact soil hydro-physical properties and increase soil water availability to plants.

Salt dynamics, leaching requirements, and leaching fractions during irrigation of a halophyte with different saline waters

Context More than 830 million ha of soils are salt affected, representing around 9% of the world’s land surface. Groundwater high in salt already covers some 16% of the land area. Saline water can be used effectively for irrigation by salt leaching to despatch the accumulated salts, but this can pose a risk of salinisation of groundwater. It is important that the efficacy of salt leaching is confirmed, and the impacts of salt loading below the rootzone can be assessed. Aims We examine the efficiency and impact of salt leaching to remove salt from the rootzone. Methods Our soil, a Typic Torripsamment, is the dominant soil across the Arabian Peninsula. We carried out detailed laboratory experiments of salt leaching dynamics via salt breakthrough curves, analytical modelling, and through the field monitoring of impacts. Key results Analytical solutions well predicted the salt breakthrough curves from repacked soil columns in the laboratory and we were able to confirm that all of the soil’s water was actively involved in transport, and that salt behaved as an inert tracer. The breakthrough curves were well predicted using a small solute dispersivity, so piston displacement was found to be a good assumption. Salt was easily flushed from the columns. To back this up in the field, soil sampling was carried out down to 1 m across 36 profiles after the harvest of a halophytic crop irrigated with saline water. Salt storage was only 1.8 kg m−2, even though 80 kg m−2 had been applied. This is a positive result for managing irrigation. Conclusions Salt leaching can maintain equable salinity in the rootzone. However, this leaching carried salt back to groundwater at 2–3 times the concentration of the applied water. We confirmed that the amount of salt leaching back to groundwater can be significant. Implications This salt dilemma will require careful management to achieve crop yields and protect the environment.

Towards a Sustainable Agriculture Development Based on the Field Vulnerability Evaluation in Miandoab Region, Iran

Exploring the agro-ecological limits is necessary in sustainable agriculture development. Soil contamination and erosion are two main indices in land vulnerability evaluation. Raizal and Pantanal models within MicroLEIS DSS, the Ero&Con package, were established in identification of vulnerable areas due to erosion and contamination risks, respectively. This study was performed in Miandoab region under different land-use scenarios with approximately 5269 ha extension in the North-West of Iran (west Azarbaijan). The extracted morphological and analytical data from 62 soil profiles representative of the study area were used as basic information. A total of 17 land unites were then classified according to the Geopedologic approach. The benchmark soil profiles were categorized as Typic Torripsamments, Typic Haploxerepts, Typic Haplocambids and Typic Haplargids. The results taken by using the aforementioned models were presented as an attainable mode whereas the management practices were not mentioned. The application of Raizal model revealed that the water erosion has less impact than wind erosion on vulnerability classes whereas climate change will result extremely high vulnerable area in the future. In terms of soil contamination risks resulted by Pantanal model, phosphorous risks were classified in V2 (23%) and V4 (77%). Also, heavy metal and nitrogen as well as pesticide contamination vulnerability risks were classified as V3 and V4. Since there was no different in classes when cultivating maize and wheat, the attainable vulnerability classes are equal with the actual ones. Overall, this research demonstrates that application of models increase our understanding about the behavior of soil and landscape interactions.

Hyperspectral based approach to investigate topsoil characteristics of different taxonomic units of El-Fayoum depression

Present paper is an initial attempt to study chemical and hyperspectral characteristics of topsoil of different soil taxonomic units in El-Fayoum depression. Archival data, field survey, soil profiles sampling and analyses, hyperspectral data assessment and spectral indices applications were integrated with statistical investigations to achieve the aim of the present study. Soil map of El-Fayoum shows the following main sub-great groups; Typic Torrifluvents, Typic Torrerts, Typic Quartizpsamments, Typic Calciorthids, Calcic Gypsiorthids and Typic Saliorthids. Typic Torriorthents recorded the highest levels of EC (260.5 dS/m), ESP (73.6), CEC (107.5 meq/ 100 g soil) and K+ (91.6 meg/L). However, the highest levels of Na (53.69 meq/L), Ca (28.61 meq/L) and Cl (86.01 meq/L) were associated with Typic Torripsamments. Typic Haplocalcids reported the maximum levels of SO4 (35.9 meq/L). The analyses of Tukey’s and one way ANOVA showed a great efficiency of SWIR2 to discriminate topsoil of all investigated taxonomic units of soil. On the other hand, topsoil of Typic Torriorthents, Typic Torripsamments, Typic Haplocalcids and Typic Quartizipsamments can be identified in all spectral bands (UV, VIS and IR) except the green band which showed limitation to define Typic Torripsamments and Typic Haplocalcids. The power of investigated hyperspectral bands to discriminate topsoil of various soil taxonomic units can be ordered as follows; SWIR2 > SWIR1 > NIR > Blue > Red > UV > Green. Based on linear regression analyses, innovative model for assessing gravel % was generated using SAVI retrieved from hyperspectral data, giving a promising accuracy (70 %). Further, a novel hyperspectral library for the topsoil of the investigated six sub-great groups of soil was developed for further applications of soil taxonomy on basis of hyperspectral data. Present findings are useful for encouraging the wide utilization of in-situ hyperspectral data sets for studying soil different variables.

Optimized Land Use through Integrated Land Suitability and GIS Approach in West El-Minia Governorate, Upper Egypt

Land evaluation is imperative for its efficient use in agriculture. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the suitability of a region in West El-Minia for cultivating some of the major crops using the geographical information system (GIS). The results focus on allocating space for cultivating sugar beet and utilizing the free period of sugar beet in other crops. This exploitation helps to maintain the quality of the land and increase its fertility by using crop rotation with integrated agricultural management. A machine learning technique was implemented using the random forest algorithm (RF) to predict soil suitability classes for sugar beet using geomorphology, terrain attribute and remote sensing data. Fifteen major crops were evaluated using a suitability multicriteria approach in GIS environment for crop rotation decisions. Soil parameters were determined (soil depth, pH, texture, CaCO3, drainage, ECe, and slope) to characterize the land units for soil suitability. Soils of the area were found to be Entisols; Typic Torrifluvents, Typic Torripsamments and Typic Torriorthents and Aridsols; Typic Haplocacids, Calcic Haplosalids and Sodic Haplocalcids. Overall, the studied area was classified into four suitability classes: high “S1”, moderate “S2”, marginal “S3”, and not suitable “N”. The area of each suitability class changed depending on the crop tested. The highest two crops that occupied S1 class were barley with 471.5 ha (representing 6.8% of the total study area) and alfalfa with 157.4 ha (2.3%). In addition, barley, sugar beet, and sorghum occupied the highest areas in S2 class with 6415.3 ha (92.5%), 6111.3 ha (88.11%) and 6111.3 ha (88.1%), respectively. Regarding the S3 class, three different crops (sesame, green pepper, and maize) were the most highly represented by 6151.8 ha (88.7%), 6126.3 ha (88.3%), and 6116.7 ha (88.2%), respectively. In the end, potato and beans occupied the highest areas in N class with 6916.9 ha (99.7%) and 6853.5 ha (98.8%), respectively. The results revealed that the integration of GIS and soil suitability system consists of an appropriate approach for the evaluation of suitable crop rotations for optimized land use planning and to prevent soil degradation. The study recommends using crop rotation, as it contributes to soil sustainability and the control of plant pests and diseases, where the succession of agricultural crops on a scientific basis aims at maintaining the balance of nutrients and fertilizers in the soil.

In-situ and ex-situ remediation of potentially toxic elements by humic acid extracted from different feedstocks: Experimental observations on a contaminated soil subjected to long-term irrigation with sewage effluents

The complicated reactions among elemental pollutants and humic substances (HS) in soil matrix are not fully understood. Herein, natural humic acid (HA) was evaluated for its foreseeable in-situ and ex-situ remediation effects on a Typic Torripsamment soil subjected to long-term irrigation with sewage effluents. Humic acid was extracted from Vertic Torrifluvents soil (HAS), farmyard manure (HAFYM) and wheat straw (HAWS). Physicochemical analyses illustrated the higher surface reactivity of HAWS compared to other types. Ecological risk assessment indices showed hazardous soil contamination due to the cumulative impact of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The extractability of PTEs showed variations in HA-amended treatments. Mobile and/or available fractions of some PTEs (As, Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) showed higher extractability compared to the unamended treatment suggesting the potentiality of HA to serve as a washing agent. Other PTEs (Cr, Fe and V) showed less extractability suggesting the immobilization effect of HA. The ex-situ kinetic removal of aqueous PTEs increased sharply, peaked at ∼240 min, and reached equilibrium at 48 h. HAWS showed higher in-situ and ex-situ remediation efficiency compared to other types given the uniqueness of its surface reactivity.Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory well-interpreted the behavior of HA transport in sand column, and the actual mobility fitted well with Advection–dispersion–reaction (ADR) model. Attachment of HA onto sand beads occurred via secondary energy minimum, and the mass balance calculations showed recovery values of about 56.7, 48.9 and 44.7% for HAS, HAFYM and HAWS, respectively. In essence, data of this research provide insights for understanding combined washing-stabilization mechanisms involved in PTEs remediation by HA amendments.

Classification and Mapping of Land Productivity, Capability and Suitability for Production Crops in West El-Minia Governorate, Egypt

The aim of this work was to classify productivity, capability and suitability indices of soils in west El-Minia Governorate, Egypt. El-Minya Governorate is considered one of the important areas of horizontal expansion in the Upper Egypt. The studied area is covers around 667020 ha and it lies between latitudes of 28°00` and 28°58`N and longitudes of 29°75` and 30°64`E. Nineteen soil profiles were dug to represent the geomorphological units in the studied area. Seven geomorphological units were developed;1-Old river terraces 2- Sand sheets 3- Limestone plateau 4- Peni plains 5-Outwash plain 6-Sand dune 7-Hilly area. In the study area there are two soil orders i.e. Aridisols and Entisols were classified as Typic Torriorthents, Typic Torripsamments and Typic Haplocalcids. Land productivity index classes of the area varies from excellent (C1) to extremely poor (C5) using Riquier etal.(1970). Based on MicroLEIS-CERVATANA model, land capability is grouped into two classes, (S2: good) covers an area of 14.68 % of the total area and the limiting factors are bioclimatic factors and (S3: moderate) covers 81.49% of the total area and the limiting factors are erosion risks, bioclimatic factors, edaphic factors and slope. Twelve crops were selected to evaluate their suitability for agriculture: wheat, maize, potato, sugar beet, cotton, soybean, sunflower, alfalfa, peach, citrus, olive and watermelon. Suitability classes according to MicroLEIS-ALMAGRA model were ranged from soils with suitability (S2) to soils with no suitability (S5) classes depending on soil limitations. The main limitations are soil texture, carbonate content and sodium saturation.

Characterization and classification of soils of Wadi Qena, Eastern Desert, Egypt

An investigation was carried out to characterize and classify some soils from Wadi Qena, Eastern Desert, Egypt. Twelve representative profiles were chosen based on DEM extracted from the Landsat 8 ETM+ satellite image. The soils were moderately deep to deep in depth, well drained, slightly to strongly alkaline in soil reaction (pH 7.6 – 8.4), slight to moderate saline (EC 3.3- 15.4 dS.m-1). The soils were low in organic matter (0.09 – 0.65%), low in CEC (1.5–8.1 cmol (p+).kg-1) and calcium carbonates ranged from (1.2 – 18.2%). The results revealed that the soils were low in available N (1–21 kg.ha-1), low in available P (1.0 – 9 kg.ha-1), and low to high in available K (105 – 762 kg.ha-1). Further, the soils were low in available micronutrients. Soil classification of the investigated area is done according to the field survey, morphological description and soil analyses. Two soil orders, viz Entisols and Aridisols were recognized in the study area. The soils were keyed out as Typic Torripsamments and Typic Haplocalcids at subgroup level. The obtained results can be used by decision makers to focus on prospective agricultural areas and to achieve land reclamation and better agricultural production.

Utilizing Sustainable Land Management Model for Sustainability Index Assessment in El-Minufiya Governorate, Egypt

This study aims to assess Sustainable Land Management Index (SLMI) for the soils in El-Minufiya Governorate through five indices (productivity index, security index, protection index, economic viability index and social acceptability index). The studied area, lies between latitudes 31° 5' and 31° 25' N and longitudes 30° 10' and 30° 40' E, and occupied 217160 hectares. The two Nile branches (Rosetta and Damietta branches) pass the Governorate. Thus, the land use in rural areas of the Governorate is mainly agriculture. The area included two landscapes; Flood plain and Aeolian plain. Soils in the investigated area were classified under one soil order, Entisols and classified as Typic Torrifluvents, Vertic Torrifluvents and Typic Torripsamments. Fifteen soil profiles were dug to represent El-MinufiyaGovernorate soils. An SLMI model was designed using the spatial geoprocessing tools of ArcGIS by integration between biophysical, socioeconomic and environmental factors for soils of each mapping unit. Four SLMI classes were outlined; the overflowmantles, overflow basins mapping units (Class I) representing 24.1 % (52333 ha) of the total area, the river levees,decantation basins, high river terraces, moderate river terraces and low river terraces mapping units (Class II) covering 48.3% (104991 ha) of the total area, turtle backs mapping unit (Class III) occupying 0.3% (642 ha) of total area and Class (IV) that not meeting sustainability found in sand sheets mapping unit occupying 16.7% (36255 ha) of the total area.

Dynamics of soil organic carbon in Typic Torripsamment soils irrigated with raw effluent sewage water.

The current research aimed at collecting detailed information about the consequences of cropping history on the accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) within different soil depths, i.e., 0-10, 10-20, 20-30 and 30-60cm. The study site is located at El Gabal El Asfar area (Egypt) whose soils were irrigated with raw sewage effluent as a sole source of irrigation for different periods extended up to 80years. SOC increased progressively with increasing cropping time, and on the other hand, decreased noticeably with increasing soil depth. The increases significantly correlated with both of the silt and clay contents in soils which increased with time. Soil bulk density and the hydraulic conductivity significantly and negatively correlated with SOC, respectively. Fractions of SOC, i.e., water soluble C, hot water C and soil biomass C in the surface soil layer (0-10cm), increased progressively with increasing time of land use. Such pools significantly correlated with SOC on one hand and with each other on the other hand. Active (labile) organic carbon fraction increased with time. This fraction also significantly correlated with the different C pools. In conclusion, the hypothesis that SOC is physically protected against soil microbes within the soil requires more investigations to clarify such results obtained herein because this study highlighted the presence of a dynamic equilibrium among the different fractions or pools of the SOC.

Characterization and classification of soils of selected watershed area of Haryana, North-west India

In the present study, undertaken in 2017–18 at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, eight typical pedons representing micro watersheds, viz. Motipura (P1 and P2), Sainiwas (P3 and P4), Jhumpa (P5 and P6), Budhsheli (P7 and P8), in semi-arid ecosystem of Jhumpa Kalan watershed of Bhiwani district of Haryana, were studied for morpho-physical, chemical characteristics and their classification. Results indicated that soils of micro watershed pedons varied in colour from dark brown to dark yellowish brown with sand to loamy sand texture along with higher sand content as compared to silt and clay. These soils were slightly to moderately alkaline in reaction and non-saline. The bulk density, available water content, organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation varied from 1.38 to 1.62 Mg/ m3, 2.04 to 13.78%, 0.06 to 0.27%, 2.21 to 7.85 cmol (p+)/kg and 88.36 to 98.57% respectively. Due to the presence of ustic/arid soil moisture regime, hyperthermic temperature regime and low organic matter content, the soils were classified into Typic Torripsamments (P4 and P8)/ Ustipsamments (P1, P2 and P3) and Typic Calciorchids (P7)/ Cambiorchids (P5).

Depthprofile distribution of Cs and its toxicity for canola plants grown on arid rainfed soils as affected by increasing K-inputs

Radioactive cesium (Cs) is more likely to be trans-located via rainfall into surrounding environments. Upon Cs-contaminated water reaching soil, Cs is retained on soil components, mainly organic matter and clay fraction. This study aims are i) comparing the relative ability of five arid soils, differing in their textural and chemical properties, to accumulate Cs when subjected to Cs-artificially contaminated rain droplets and ii) testing whether K fertilizer can decrease the uptake of Cs and its translocation within plants or not. A lab experiment was then conducted to simulate artificial rain droplets contaminated with 1000 becquerel (Bq) of 134Cs L−1 precipitated on soil columns each of 10.5 cm inner diameter at a rate of 1.15 mL cm−2 over a period of 2-months. At least 89% of 134Cs accumulated within the uppermost 5-cm layer of these soils. Another greenhouse experiment was set to test the hypothesis which indicates that Cs uptake increases unexpectedly by supplying plants with K-fertilizers. In this experiment, canola (Brassica napus L.) seeds were cultivated into three K-deficient soils (Typic Haplotorrent, Typic Haplocalcid, and Typic Torripsamment) which were contaminated with 100 mg Cs kg−1 soil (stable-Cs was used instead of radioactive-Cs to designate its behavior on the long run). Canola plants were fertilized with 0, 80 and 120 mg K2SO4 kg−1 soil. Results carried on Typic Haplotorrent soil confirmed the aforementioned assumption as K-addition increased Cd-uptake up to 40.1%. Contradictory results were achieved in the other two soils where Cs-uptake decreased by 21.5 and 15.3% in Typic Haplocalcid and Typic Torripsamment soils, respectively due to the application of the aforementioned dose of K. In the K non-amended soils, Cs shoot-root translocation factor was >1; yet, it was <1 in response to K addition, regardless of its application rate.

A Physiographic Study and Land Evaluation of the Soils of some Eastern Desert Wadies , Egypt, Using Landsat Images Interpretation

The soils of both wadies Qift and Zeidun are considered one of the promising parts of Eastern Desert, due to a wide area of arable land and the high potential of ground water. Additionally, the area is considered a good model for representing many of the landscape features, in the Eastern Desert. So this study aims to identify the different physiographic units including soil developed in this area by interpretation landsat ETM 8 image, as to determine soil suitability class that have closely relationships with physiographic characteristics. This technique plays an important role for utilizing these scanned promising areas. The area under consideration lies between latitudes (26o 00ˉ) and (25o 50ˉ) North and longitude (32o 45ˉ) and (33o 05ˉ) East and covered by Landsat TM8 image bands 2,4 and 7. The data obtained show that the studied area were identified physiographically, as:(1) Rubble Terraces (stony pediment soils), old alluvial terraces (high & low),young alluvial plain terraces (high & low) , fan and outwash plane, wadies (wadi bottom and wadi plain) and Miscellaneous land types (Rock land). According to the morphological features and analytical data, the soils developed on the main physiographic units are classified till the family level into: A: Aridisols , soil families are : 1-Typic Calcigypsids, sandy skeletal, mixed , hyper thermic, (old and young alluvial terraces(high & low) and wadi bottom soils.2- Typic Calcigypsids, loamy skeletal, mixed ,hyper thermic at the soils of old alluvial terraces (high) and wadi bottom soils. 3- Lithic Haplocalcids, loamy skeletal, mixed , hyper thermic, (Rubble terraces stony pediment). 4- Typic Haplocalcids, sandy skeletal, mixed, hyper thermic at old and young alluvial terraces (low) and wadi bottom soils. 5- Typic Haplocalcids, loamy skeletal (young high terraces) and wadi bottom. B: Entisols included: 1- Typic Torripsamments, sandy skeletal, mixed, hyper thermic young alluvial terraces (low), fan and outwash plain. 2- Typic Torriorthents, sandy, mixed, hyper thermic (wadi plain soils). The soil evaluation results of the studied soils revealed that the soils of wadi bottom and wadi plain soils currently marginally suitable lands (S3) and moderately suitable (S2). Fan and out wash plain and some soil of low young alluvial terraces currently are marginally suitable lands (S3). Whereas, Rubble terraces stony pediment soils, and some soil of old alluvial terraces, and high young alluvial terraces are currently not suitable (N1). In addition, the limiting factors for soil productivity are topography, soil texture effective, soil depth, CaCO3 content, salinity and alkalinity. Potential suitability was identified after required land improvements and reveal that all the studied soils are placed between marginally and moderate suitable (S3 & S2). The limiting factors for soil productively are soil texture and soil depth.

Combining Trinexapac‐Ethyl with a Soil Surfactant Reduces Bermudagrass Irrigation Requirements

Core Ideas We describe the use of a plant growth regulator and a soil surfactant for water conservation. We investigated whether the beneficial effects of a surfactant and a plant growth regulator on drought stressed bermudagrass were enhanced when applied in combination versus individually. We investigated if both products affect soil moisture under reduced irrigation. Soil surfactants and plant growth regulators (PGR) have shown potential to lower irrigation requirements and increase turfgrass quality under drought conditions. A study was conducted from 2014 to 2016 to investigate the soil surfactant Revolution, (modified methyl capped block copolymer [Aquatrols, Paulsboro, NJ]), or the plant growth regulator ‘PrimoMaxx’ (A.I. trinexapac‐ethyl [4‐(cyclopropylhydroxymethylene)‐3,5‐dioxocyclohexanecarboxylic acid]) (Syngenta, Basel, Switzerland), or a combination of both on percent green coverage, turfgrass color, quality, soil volumetric water content (VWC) and uniformity on Princess 77 bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) grown on a loamy sand (mixed, thermic Typic Torripsamments) and irrigated at either 80%, 65%, or 50% of reference evapotranspiration for short grass (ETOS). With the exception of plots irrigated at 50% ETos in 2015, bermudagrass receiving trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) either in combination with Revolution or alone exhibited darker green color when compared to untreated controls at all irrigation levels throughout the research period. At 50% ETos, plots treated with any of the three chemical treatments had greater quality (with 1 = worst, 9 = best) than control plots from July to September, with quality ratings of 6 or greater from June to August. Whereas VWC was not consistently enhanced by all treatment combinations, applications of Revolution, TE, and the combination of both resulted in increased VWC uniformity and greater irrigation use efficiency. Our results suggest that by using a surfactant, a PGR, or both, bermudagrass quality can be maintained with 15 to 30% less irrigation water than the optimal rate (80% ETos) without a reduction in color or quality.

Implications of long term irrigation with wastewater on the contents and retention kinetics of potentially toxic elements in Typic Torripsamment soils

Implications of long term irrigation with wastewater on the contents and retention kinetics of potentially toxic elements in Typic Torripsamment soils

Implications of humic, fulvic and K-humate extracted from each of compost and biogas manure as well as their teas on faba bean plants grown on Typic Torripsamments and emissions of soil CO2

Implications of humic, fulvic and K-humate extracted from each of compost and biogas manure as well as their teas on faba bean plants grown on Typic Torripsamments and emissions of soil CO2

Land Suitability Evaluation for Rainfed Agriculture in Abu Hamra Area, South Darfur State, Sudan

This study was carried out in Abu Hamra Area, south Darfur State (Latitude 12˚26ʹ to 13˚10ʹ E and longitude&lt;br /&gt;24˚24ʹ to 25˚56ʹ N and), Sudan where the area falls in semi-arid climate. The study aimed to evaluate the&lt;br /&gt;land suitability for rainfed agriculture and to scan crop suitability. Through the analysis of satellite image&lt;br /&gt;and direct field observations, the study area was divided into non-cracking clay soil (unit A) classified as&lt;br /&gt;Sodic Haplocambid, alluvial soil (unit B) classified as Ustic Torrifluvent and loamy sand soil (unit C)&lt;br /&gt;classified as Typic Torripsamments. 46 soil samples were collected from 12 auger holes and 3 representative&lt;br /&gt;profiles, then analyzed for some physical and chemical properties which were matched with climatic factors&lt;br /&gt;and topographic features to define the requirements of rainfed crops, particularly Sorghum, Millet, Maize,&lt;br /&gt;Sesame, Groundnuts, Watermelon and Tomato. Duncan Multiple Range Test was used to determine&lt;br /&gt;significance of differences in soil properties within and among the three units. Results showed that the soils&lt;br /&gt;were non-saline, non-sodic (except unit A), calcareous to slightly calcareous and low in fertility. Results also&lt;br /&gt;indicated no significant differences among soil properties except for texture, salinity and sodicity. The soils&lt;br /&gt;were found to be marginally suitable (S3) for rainfed agriculture because of presence of fertility, drainage,&lt;br /&gt;organic matter, texture and sodicity limitations and unit B proved to be the best soils of the three units. For&lt;br /&gt;crop suitability, the soils of the three units had same suitability for some crops and differ for others.

Land Resources Evaluation of some Soils in the Western Qena Governorate Using Remote Sensing and Gis

The Western Desert outskirt of Qena Governorate, Egypt, i.e., adjacent to the side of Giza – Luxor Western Desert road, Egypt is considered promising area for agricultural utilization as well as a model for representing some landscape features in the Western Desert, Egypt. So, it selected to be identified within the content of soil physiographic units, soil classification, land evaluation for agriculture – irrigated soils and their suitability for specific crops. Based on the visual interpretation of Landsat ETM7 (Enhanced thematic Mapper 7), the main physiographic units in the studied area could be categorized into four units, i.e, rubble terraces, fan and outwash plain, wadi plain and rock land. 120 mini pits were located and studied for setting up the physiographic boundaries and characteristic of soil map legend. Also, the variation of soil characteristics between the main identified physiographic units were represented by sixteen soil profiles which to be full morphologically described and sampled for laboratory analyses. The soils of the study area were classified as, Typic Torriorthents, Typic Torripsamments, Typic Quartzpsamments, Calcic Haplosalids, Typic Haplocalcids, Typic Haplogypsids and Lithic Torripsamments. According to land evaluation system undertaken by Sys and verheye (1978) and Sys et al (1991), the current suitability for agriculture irrigated soils could be categorized into two suitability classes, i.e., marginally suitable (S3) and not Suitable (N) beside five sub classes (S3s, N1wsn, N1ws, N1t and N2). Which are suffering from soil properties, i.e., soil texture (S1), soil profile depth, salinity and alkalinity (n) and topography (t) as soil limitations with different intensity degrees (slight to very severe). By applying the improvement practices for achieving the potential condition, the suitable classes would become, moderatly suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3) and not suitable (N2). Also, Soil suitability for some specific crops of cereal (i.e., maize, wheat, barley and pea) vegetable (cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes and watermelon) and fruit (olives, citrus, mango and guava) were presented for soils developed on the identified physiographic units land suitability guide tables.

AGRICULTURAL CAPABILITY AND SUITABILITY OF WADI EL-FARIGH, WESTERN DESERT OF EGYPT

The agricultural expansion in the desert areas is one of the main objects of the national plan to meet the food requirement for the tremendous increase in population. This research work presents an approach to analyze the enormous complexity of land resources and its use and management from an agro-ecological perspective. It discusses the efficiency of land evaluation for assessing land use changes in rural areas. Wadi El Farigh in the Western Desert of Egypt, was selected as a case study. Fourteen representative soil profiles had been selected to assess the soil variation and validation for agricultural prospective of the study area. The soils of the study area were related to Entisols and were classified under subgroups Lithic Torripsamments and Typic Torripsamments. By using the GIS technique, the unsupervised and supervised method was carried out to separate the cultivated and the barren soils. Based on these classes, the obtained data were summarized. Agricultural soil capability indices have been calculated for the study area according to Storie index. Accordingly, three classes were identified, namely fair, poor and non-agricultural soils where the soil texture is the main limiting factor. On the other hand, Agricultural soil suitability indices had been calculated according to Land Use Suitability Evaluation Tool (LUSET). The obtained results revealed that the soil suitability showed that major suitability classes have been noted are , moderately suitable (S2) for all the selected crops with some exceptional cases that are highly suitable (S1) or (S3) that are marginally suitable for all selected crops, Table (6 and 7) . The areas that were represented by the soil profiles Nos.1 and 2 were moderately suitable for the Cucumber, Watermelon, Onion, Green Pepper, Sunflower, Potato, Barley, Wheat, Sorghum, Maize, Olive, Sesame and Mango. On the other hand, they are marginally suitable for Pear. The areas that are represented by the soil profiles Nos. 3 to 10 are moderately suitable for the Cucumber, Watermelon, Onion, Green Pepper, Sunflower, Potato, Groundnut, Pear, Wheat, Maize, Olive, Sesame and Mango. On contrary, they were highly suitable for Barley and Sorghum. Soil texture was the most limiting factor for all soils, units in addition to soil depth especially for the soils of profiles Nos. 1 and 2.