Effect of Sulphur Application and Saline Irrigation Water on Chemical Properties of Ras Sudr Calcareous Soil, South Sinai, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Desert Research Center, Matareya, Egypt

2 Soil and Water Dept., Faculty of Agric., Suez Canal Univ., Ismailia 41522, Egypt

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Ras Sudr, South of Sinai Governorate. The investigated soil was
cultivated by wheat (Triticum Vulgare L.). Ras Sudr soil is calcareous in nature and is characterized by high content of
CaCO3 (53.9%) and total soluble salts (EC, 29.6 dSm-1). The experimental soil was irrigated with a saline ground water
6.18 dSm-1 which considered the main source of irrigation water in this area. The effect of irrigation periods (7, 14 and
21 days), phosphorus application (20, 60 kg P2O5/ fed.) and sulphur application (0, 100, 300, 500 kg S/fed.) on the
chemical composition of Ras Sudr soil during and after wheat growth season. The EC decreased gradually by increasing
S application and increased progressively by increasing water stress. Sulphur application also decreased soil pH by
2.5% relative to the initial pH value and increased each of soluble–sulphate, available phosphate and potassium.

Keywords