The National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) affiliated to Academy of Scientific Research and Technology(ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Soil Science0302-670161220210601Is Nano-Biofortification the Right Approach for Malnutrition in the Era of COVID-19 and Climate change?16117417825810.21608/ejss.2021.75653.1445ENHassanEl-RamadySoil and Water Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516 Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt0000-0002-1113-726XShiamaaElmhdySoil and Water Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516 Kafr El-Sheikh, EgyptAyaAwadSoil and Water Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516 Kafr El-Sheikh, EgyptSafaNassarSoil and Water Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516 Kafr El-Sheikh, EgyptOmimaOsmanSoil and Water Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516 Kafr El-Sheikh, EgyptEmanMetwallySoil and Water Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516 Kafr El-Sheikh, EgyptEmanAlySoil and Water Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516 Kafr El-Sheikh, EgyptEmanFaresSoil and Water Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516 Kafr El-Sheikh, EgyptAhmedEl-HenawySoil and Water Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516 Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt0000-0003-0190-6472Journal Article20210508Human health may depend on the environment and its compartments, which may include climatic factors. These climatic factors and their changes might impact on human health particularly the outbreak of pandemics like COVID-19. The combined stress resulted from climate changes and COVID-19 could be noticed in several countries especially in the developing countries. Malnutrition is considered one of the most important problems in the developing countries in particular under the droughts, flooding, and other climatic events. Malnutrition was aggravated under COVID-19 outbreak in these countries due to the closure of border between countries, the crisis of global trade, and the global food insecurity. The biofortification process is the sustainable solution to overcome malnutrition, which included very recently using nano-nutrients as called nano-biofortification. The approach of nano-biofortification is a promising tool in producing biofortified edible plants, otherwise this tool still needs more studies to answer the open questions like which nano-nutrients can be used in nano-biofortification? Which recommended doses and crops are considered suitable candidates?The National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) affiliated to Academy of Scientific Research and Technology(ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Soil Science0302-670161220210601Implications of seed irradiation with γ-rays on the growth parameters and grain yield of faba bean17518615665510.21608/ejss.2021.58054.1424ENIhab MFaridBenha University, Faculty of Agriculture, Soils and Water DepartmentAmiraEl-NabarawyBotany Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, EgyptMohamed H.H.AbbasBenha University, Faculty of Agriculture, Soils and Water department0000-0002-1905-1241AhmedMorsySoil and Water Research Department, Nuclear Research Center (NRC), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), EgyptMohamedAfifiSoil and Water Research Department, Nuclear Research Center (NRC), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), EgyptHassanAbbasBenha University, Faculty of Agriculture0000-0001-5645-4835MohamedHekalSoil and Water Research Department, Nuclear Research Center (NRC), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Egypt0000-0002-7109-2374Journal Article20210114Faba bean productivity is highly influenced by N-inputs; yet, mineral N-fertilizers might undergo rapid leaching in light textured soils. On the other hand, these mineral fertilizers are more preferable than organic N-sources to raise protein content in bean seeds. Thus, the current study investigates to what extent organic fertilizers can partially substitute chemical N-inputs to satisfy plant needs for nutrients. Also, irradiating seeds is another approach to increase plant productivity by inducing further nutrient carriers to raise the effectiveness of the applied N-fertilizers. These two approaches were used in combination, in this study, to increase bean productivity grown on a poor fertile light textured soil (90.5% sand). To fulfill this aim, a field experiment was carried out during the winter season of 2017/2018 following a split plot design where the different N-sources (organic vs inorganic and mixtures of these two N- sources, all applied at the recommended dose i.e. 48 kg N ha-1) were plotted in the main plots while γ-irradiated seed treatments were plotted in the subplots. Irradiating bean seeds with gamma rays at a rate of 20 Gy (the least dose) increased significantly NPK uptake by beans and also enhanced plant growth. This consequently raised significantly the grain yield; however, increasing the dose of seed irradiation (>20 Gy) lessened significantly plant growth parameters and seed yield. The combined N-treatments also raised considerably NPK uptake by bean and recording the highest significant increases in plant growth parameters and grain yield. Moreover, mixed treatments recorded comparable protein contents in bean grains vs plants received 100% ammonium sulphate. Combination between seed irradiation and mixed N-sources were of positive effect on plant growth parameters and grain yield at only 20 Gy, while these parameters decreased considerably thereafter. In conclusion, seed irradiation may be a useful technique to increase legume plant growth; however, slight increases in the used dose may negatively affect the total quantity of the grain yield. The aforementioned results highlight the importance of amending light textured soils with the mixed (organic+mineral) N-sources to increase the productivity of faba bean grown on a such soil.The National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) affiliated to Academy of Scientific Research and Technology(ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Soil Science0302-670161220210601The Role of Garlic and Onion Extracts in Growth and Productivity of Onion under Soil Application of Potassium Humate and Fulvate18720016340810.21608/ejss.2021.64114.1434ENHayamElshabouryPlant Nutrition and Soil Fertility Res. dep. ; Soils, Water and Environment Res. Inst. ; Agric. Res. Centre, Giza, Egypt.HanaaSakaraPlant Nutrition and Soil Fertility Res. dep. ; Soils, Water and Environment Res. Inst. ; Agric. Res. Centre, Giza, Egypt.Journal Article20210220During winter seasons of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, an experiment was conducted at a privet farm located in El-Sarou, Damietta governorate, Egypt, on onion growth, yield, and quality as affected by humic substances and foliar application with plant extracts. In split plot design, the experimental was consisted of 3 replicate having 15 treatments arrangement as; 5 treatments of humic substance (control, 2 and 4 kg for each humic and fulvic in form of potassium) as main plot, 3 levels of plant extract (without, 10 and 20 ml.L-1 mix from garlic and onion extract) as sub plot. The obtained results indicated that, soil addition of 4 kg.fed-1 potassium humate recorded highest significant values for growth traits, yield and its components as well as N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn in leaves and bulb, also, chemical and physical quality of bulb. On the same parameters, foliar application of 20 ml.L-1 from plant extract recorded the highest values. The combined application between 4 kg.fed-1 potassium humate with foliar 20 ml.L-1 plant extract was more prominent in enhancing the aforementioned parameters. Addition of potassium humate 4 kg.fed-1 increased available N, P, K mg.kg-1 and porosity, while decreased EC ds.m-1 in the soil after harvesting.The National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) affiliated to Academy of Scientific Research and Technology(ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Soil Science0302-670161220210601Integration of Multivariate Analysis and Spatial Modeling to Assess Agricultural Potentiality in Farafra Oasis, Western Desert of Egypt20121817270710.21608/ejss.2021.71312.1440ENAhmed SaeedAbuzaidSoils and Water Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Egypt0000-0002-1627-6250Abdellatif DeyabAbdellatifsoil, water and environment research institute0000-0003-0679-6030Journal Article20210406Precise assessment of land and water resources in the newly reclaimed desert land in Egypt is a pillar of sustainable agricultural production. The principal component analysis (PCA), factor analysis (FA) and spatial modeling were integrated to develop a GIS-based model for agricultural potentiality in Farafra Oasis, Western Desert of Egypt. The studied area (167.98 km2, i.e. 16798 ha) is located between 27° 01ʹ 35.71ʺ to 27° 10ʹ 5.38ʺ N and 28° 16ʹ 34.95ʺ to 28° 22ʹ 58.71ʺ E. Twenty-two soil profiles were dug, and samples were collected and analyzed. Groundwater samples were collected from ten wells and analyzed. Slope, aspect, surface roughness, and topographic wetness index were extracted from a digital elevation model. The groundwater showed no limitations for irrigation. Soil properties and topographic attributes showed linear correlations among each other. The results of the PCA/FA were sufficient to estimate a weight for each parameter. The most effective factors determining agricultural potentiality were soil physical properties (0.36) followed by chemical properties (0.31) and topography (0.26), while erosion was the least one (0.07). The GIS-based model showed that the area belongs to moderate (62%) and high potentiality (35%) classes under sprinkler irrigation, while moderate (1%), high (94%) and very high potentiality (2%) under drip irrigation. Combined use of multivariate and spatial analysis would help in developing sustainable agricultural strategies in such desert areas.The National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) affiliated to Academy of Scientific Research and Technology(ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Soil Science0302-670161220210601Low Cost and Eco-Friendly Removal of Toxic Heavy Metals from Industrial Wastewater21922917564610.21608/ejss.2021.75492.1444ENHalaElbltagyDepartment of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Home Economics Faculty, Al-Azhar University, Tanta 31732, EgyptHebaElbasiounyAzhar UniAbdulsalamAlmuhamadyArab Center for Nanotechnology, EgyptHalaGamal El-DeinDepartment of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Home Economics Faculty, Al-Azhar University, Tanta 31732, EgyptJournal Article20210506Although water is the most available resource on the earth, its contamination and shortage in many countries makes it necessary to find out low-cost and eco-friendly materials to remove heavy metals (HMs) from contaminated wastewater. Thus, this study examined the use of sorbents such as eggshell (ES), banana peels (BP), watermelon rind (WR), and their nano form (ESN, BPN, and WRN) to remove HMs (Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb, and Zn) from industrial contaminated wastewater. Nano forms of these sorbents were characterized by TEM and used in the experiment at two addition rates of each sorbent (i.e. 0.5 g and 1.0 g of each normal studied sorbents and 0.05 g and 0.1 g of each nano studied sorbents). The results revealed high efficiency for removing HMs, especially when using ES, ESN, and BPN. These sorbents achieved nearly 100% removal percentage in all detected HMs in the industrial wastewater especially Cu and Pb. These results demonstrate a high potential use of the studied sorbents for HMs removal from contaminated wastewater especially nano forms due to their uniqe properties and higher surface area.The National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) affiliated to Academy of Scientific Research and Technology(ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Soil Science0302-670161220210601Effect of Biogas Digestate on Growth and some Potentially Toxic Elements Conentrations of Wheat23124018633910.21608/ejss.2021.76996.1449ENIbrahim IbrahimErdalIsparta University of Apliied Sciences0000-0001-8177-948XCennetYaylacıIsparta Unv of Applied SciencesJournal Article20210522In this study it was aimed to investigate the effect of biogas digested (BD) on the growth and some potential toxic element (B, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co and Pb) concentrations of wheat grown under greenhouse conditions. For this reason, 0, 15 and 30 tha-1 of BD were applied to the soils and left incubations during 0, 30 and 60 days. After incubation period is ended wheat seeds were sawn and left for growth during 2 months. Results indicated that BD dosages and incubation periods increased plant dry weight. Applications of BD did not affect B, Cd and Co concentrations of wheat and Cr and Ni concentrations decreased generally with the BD dosages. Similarly, incubation showed decreasing effect on Pb concentration of wheat. Plant Co, Cr and Pb uptakes did not vary with the applications, other element uptakes increased in the parallels of plant dry weights. Looking at the element concentrations of wheat it was seen that all element concentrations were in the ranges of acceptable levels. So, it was concluded that the application of BD did not pose a risk for potential toxic elements on the growth of the wheat.The National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) affiliated to Academy of Scientific Research and Technology(ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Soil Science0302-670161220210601Integrated influence of phosphorus and zinc along with farm yard manure on the yield and nutrients uptake in spring maize24125818664310.21608/ejss.2021.78515.1450ENIshaqMianDepartment of Soil and Environmental Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Kp, PakistanYasirAnwarDepartment of Soil and Environmental Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Kp, PakistanShadmanKhanDepartment of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Crop Production, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan0000-0002-2317-4025Mamoona WaliMuhammadPakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 25000, Pakistan.MariaMussaratDepartment of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Crop Production, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtukhwa, PakistanMuhammadTariqDepartment of Soil and Environmental Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Kp, PakistanAimanUsmanDepartment of Soil an Environmental Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Kp, PakistanBushraKhanDepartment of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar, Khyber Paakhtunkhwa 25000, PakistanMuhammadAdnanDepartment of Agriculture, University of Swabi, PakistanKhadimDawarDepartment of Soil and Environmental Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Kp, PakistanKhairUllahDepartment of Soil and Environmental Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Kp, PakistanJawadAliDepartment of Soil and Environmental Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Kp, PakistanJournal Article20210531The maximum requirement of primary nutrients by hybrid maize crop deteriorate the fertility of soil, therefore farm yard manure (FYM) in combination with mineral zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) was selected for the increasing crop productivity, rehabilitate and sustain the precious soil. The research was carried out at the farm of The university of Agriculture Peshawar (UAP) during year 2019-20. To investigate the impact of mineral P from di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and Zn from zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) in combination with FYM on maize yield. The experiment was carried out in randomized completed block design (RCND) having eight different combinations of FYM, P and Zn were used excluding control. Spring hybrid variety of maize (CS- 200) was used as a test crop. Basal dosage of nitrogen (N) 120 and potassium (K) 60 kg ha-1 were also applied. Physio-chemical properties of soil and concentration of Zn, P and K in maize leaves at silking stage and post harvested stage were measured. The objectives of this study was to determine the impact of FYM, P and (Zn) alone and in combination on yield of maize and soil properties and to gives best combination of organic fertilizers with mineral. From this research it was concluded that the combine application mineral P and Zn with FYM have linearly influenced the thousand grains weight, grain and biological yield of hybrid maize (CS- 200). The combine used of P and FYM @ of 90 kg ha-1 and 10 ton ha-1 shows influential impact on 1000 grains weight and grain yield respectively. The soil organic matter and total N were significantly (p≤0.05) influenced by FYM applied alone, whereas the uptake of N, P and K by hybrid maize crop was found maximum in the plot where P in combination with FYM was added. Based on results the application of FYM @ 10 t ha-1 applied with 90 kg P ha-1 have the potential to improve maize yield as well as soil fertility and physical condition, also enhance the plant nutrient uptake and yield of hybrid maize, while the concentration of zinc in soil and plant were also greatly affected by the applied treatment. It show antagonistic effect with P and its concentration become linearly decreased with the increase in P rates, while the maximum Zn concentration was showed by the sole application of zinc fertilizer.The National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) affiliated to Academy of Scientific Research and Technology(ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Soil Science0302-670161220210601Microbial Impact on Growth and Yield of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. and Sandy Soil Fertility25927418758010.21608/ejss.2021.84433.1457ENDoaa El SayedMosaad GaafarSoils, Water and Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, 12619, Giza, Egypt.0000-0002-6928-6399Zakaria Awad MohamedBakaBotany and Microbiology department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Egypt.0000-0001-7102-4454Mohamed IsmailAbou-DobaraBotany and Microbiology department, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, Egypt.0000-0001-7812-0764Heba ShehataShehataSoils, Water and Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.Hany Mohamed AhmedEl-TapeySoils, Water and Environment Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.0000-0003-2507-4754Journal Article20210707Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) plant is a valuable medicinal crop in arid and semi-arid regions. The use of microorganisms to enhance crop production is more favorable than chemical fertilizers attributable to food safety. A field experiment was implemented to inspect the impact of the bacterial mixture (Bacillus subtilis (BSR-8) and Pseudomonas flourescens (PSR-11)), Pleurotus ostreatus and mycorrhizeen® individually and /or in combination on the growth and yield of roselle plant and their impact on newly sandy soil. The tested bioagents significantly increased the growth and yield of roselle plant in comparable to the untreated plants. Also, inoculation increased soil dehydrogenase activity, root colonization and photosynthetic pigments. Significant enhancement in soil fertility properties was occurred, where the soil NPK availability improved. The NPK concentrations and uptake increased in calyx and shoot in response to bioagents. Soil organic matter content and soil aggregates increased while EC and pH decreased. Generally, the application of microbial mixtures modified physio-chemical soil properties and consequently reflected on roselle yield production.The National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) affiliated to Academy of Scientific Research and Technology(ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Soil Science0302-670161220210601Equilibrium Content between Nitrogen and Phosphorus for Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Grown in a Clay Soil27528618952810.21608/ejss.2021.86184.1458ENTarek MYounisCentral Laboratory for Agricultural Climate 12411, Agricultural Research Center, EgyptShaimaaHassan Abd-ElrahmanSoil and Water Department, Faculty of Agriculture 11241, Ain Shams University, Qalubia, Egypt0000-0002-8211-417xMohamed AAAbdrabboCentral Laboratory for Agricultural Climate 12411, Agricultural Research Center, EgyptJournal Article20210714This study aims to investigate the effect of different nitrogen concentrations (60, 120 and 180 mg L-1) applied in the form of ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) through fertigation and, also, phosphorus concentrations (15, 35 and 55 mg L-1) in the form of phosphoric acid (H3PO4), individually or in combination with each other, on the growth parameters and yield of lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa L.), as well as nitrate accumulation in plant tissues. The investigations were conducted under the field conditions during the two growing seasons of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 at the experimental farm of Dokki site, Giza Governorate, Egypt, following a split plot design. Obtained results indicated that increasing N supplies up to 180 mg L-1 led to concurrent increase in the vegetative characters (i.e., plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves per plant and chlorophyll content) of lettuce plants. While the lowest growth and productivity of plants were obtained by applying 60 mg N L-1. Regarding the effects of P additions, increasing P supply up to 55 mg L-1 increased the growth and productivity of plants during both studied seasons. Interaction effect between N and P levels indicated that 180 mg N L-1 combined with 55 mg P L-1 gave the highest lettuce productivity followed by 180 mg N L-1 combined with 35 mg P L-1. The weight of lettuce head took the same trend of vegetative growth. The chemical analyses revealed that increase N dose led to increase the content of N, K, Ca and Mg as well as N-NO3- in plant tissues. Increase P level led to increase the P content. Finally, increase P level led to decrease N-NO3- and transformation rate of nitrate in plant tissues.The National Information and Documentation Centre (NIDOC) affiliated to Academy of Scientific Research and Technology(ASRT)Egyptian Journal of Soil Science0302-670161220210601Response of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) to Soil and Foliar Application of Nano-ZnO and Bulk Zn-fertilizer in Red Acidic Soil of West Bengal, India38731019110310.21608/ejss.2021.79007.1451ENSunandanaMandalDepartment of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan - 731235, West Bengal, India0000-0002-7637-4194Goutam KumarGhoshDepartment of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan - 731235, West Bengal, IndiaJournal Article20210603In cereal crops Zinc (Zn) deficiency has become a major problem which causes reduction in yield and nutritional quality of the cereal grain, thus affecting human health. Being an essential micronutrient for the production of rice crop, Zn deficiency appears to be an acute problem for the human population whose staple food is rice. Small increase in the nutritive value of rice can thus contribute to the human nutrition. Thus, increasing the micronutrient content of a food crop with the help of enriched fertilizers appears to be an effective way. During two successive growing seasons (wet season, 2017 and dry season, 2018) at the experimental farm of Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, West Bengal, India, field experiments were carried out to assess the potential of Zn fertilizer on plant height, grain quality, leaf chlorophyll and leaf Zn content of rice plant (Oryza sativa L.) variety MTU-1010 by application of foliar Nano-ZnO (Zinc oxide) and soil ZnSO4.7H2O (Zinc Sulphate Hepta Hydrate). In both seasons, each experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replicates. Soil Zn as ZnSO4.H2O applications were assigned in the plots at the rate of 5 kg/ha and 0.30% nano-ZnO were assigned as foliar Zn spray along with the basal doses of 80 kg nitrogen (N), 40 kg phosphorus (P2O5) and 40 kg potassium (K2O)/ha as per the treatment details. After 15 days, 30 days, 45 days from transplanting and at the time of flowering as well as post-flowering chlorophyll (a, b, a+b) and Zn in rice plant leaves were determined. Plant heights were recorded after 30 days, 60 days and 90 days from transplanting and at the time of harvest. Quality parameters such as amylose, starch and crude protein content of the grain samples were determined at harvest stage. The results obtained from present assessment showed that, application of soil as well as foliar Zn resulted in significant increase in leaf Zn content, chlorophyll content, grain crude protein and plant height compared to the control. No significant effect on starch and amylose was recorded with Zn fertilization. Foliar spraying with 0.30% nano-ZnO at the time of flowering and post flowering showed a significant augmentation in leaf Zn concentration, chlorophyll content, plant height and quality of rice grain compared to the treatments receiving soil Zn application. Therefore it is considered as a more beneficial treatment in the cultivation of rice plants to promote plant growth and quality.