Drainage system is one of the most important methods to manage soil
environment and water table situation. Agricultural salt affected heavy textured soils of poor productivity are commonly found throughout the northern periphery of the Nile Delta especially, the vicinity of northern lakes. Clay-salt affected soils are known to be difficult to manage. Mole drainage, on the specific soil type and done properly can help reduce waterlogging and salinity problems. This article aims to help for know some knowledge on effectiveness mole drains. Different experiments were done about mole drainage in Egyptian salty clay soil. The field trials area was situated at El-Serw agricultural Research Station, Agricultural Research Centre, in the Northeastern Delta. The region represents large areas in the north Delta and many parts in mid Delta and the Nile Valley. It is characterized by salt-affected clay soils with a permanent highly saline shallow groundwater table. It has approximate altitude of 0 m above Mean Sea Level. A characteristic feature of the soil is many shallow and deep cracks and hard clods are developed when drying. (i) Open drains in conjunction with moling: The study was carried out on open field drains involving two spacing treatments 20 and 40. Later, moling was executed perpendicular to the field drains. The objective of this article is to follow the extent of soil desalinization obtained with the above drainage practices, along 5 cropping seasons. (ii). An area of 5 feddans (1 feddan = 4200 m2) was chosen. The field is characterized by high clay content (average 63 % up to 90cm depth). The subsoil up to 3.0 m is also clay. The hydraulic conductivity (K) is considered low permeable (<10 cm/ day). The average initial state of ground water salinity is 39 dS/m at 40 cm depth. An experimental field was designed with different treatments of mole drain spacing 0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0m combined without or with gypsum addition. Rice was cultivated in each summer of years 2000 to 2004. All agricultural practices are similar to that in neighbour fields. Irrigation water salinity (EC)ranges from 1.5 to 2.0 dS /m. Generally, results indicate that drainage treatments have an attractive effect on lowering the water table, for the most part under narrow spacing between drains combined with mole lines and hydraulic connection. Increasing downward water movement after irrigation gives the chance for the effective root zone to dry, shrink and form water pathways

This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of leaching process with adding gypsum or compost and their combination on improving of poorly productive salt affected soil, the rice growth and nutrient uptake at El-Hamoul area which represent the salt affected soil in the northern part of the Nile Delta. The treatments were adding gypsum in rates of 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 (Mg fed.-1) or compost in rates of 10 and 20 Mg fed.-1 and combination of 2.5 gypsum with compost 10 Mg fed.-1. Rice was transplanted after the recommended soil preparation. Three successive leachate were done with the same volume of irrigation water. The discharged water through drain’s outlet and its electrical conductivity (ECd) were measured. Soil physical and chemical properties and plant analysis were done at harvesting.
The results indicated that absolute differences in leachate volumes, due to leaching process, were relatively small for no amended soil and increased with gypsum application rates. The percolation of water through the gypsum treated soil profile was much faster than the control indicating that gypsum was the main factor to percolate process. Compost combined with gypsum treatment was more effective than compost alone. Salinity of the drained water (ECd ) values had sharply decreased until the third leaching, then a slight decrease was recorded with gypsum treatments. However, with compost treatments, the ECd values had the same trend, but the sharp decrease was retarded until the 4th leaching. The mean value of ECd in leachate was reduced from 32.50 to 5.17 dSm-1. This decrease was a function of the number of leachings of the soil.
Consequently, leaching the soil treated with gypsum was more effective in removing the soluble salts. Leaching with adding compost reduced ESP at the end of leaching than the control. Increasing gypsum rates decreased ESP. Moreover, leaching with gypsum and compost decreased ESP value to 11.64.
The results revealed that rice shoot dry weight was increased from 1890 to 2940 kg/fed. as gypsum rates increased from zero to 10 Mg fed-1. The corresponding value for compost increased from 2541 to 3801 kg/fed. at 10 and 20 Mg fed.-1, respectively. The combined effect of compost and gypsum treatment was greater than the individual one (4208 kg/fed.). Nitrogen and phosphorus content in rice dry matter was increased with compost application while they were not significantly affected by gypsum application rates. In addition, K content was not significantly affected by either gypsum or compost applications. The Na content was lower, however Ca and Mg content was higher in rice plants grown in gypsum treatments compared with compost ones. Thus, it can be said that leaching the salt affected soil with gypsum combined with compost was entirely safe. This treatment is more profitable than the leaching with water only (control)

This study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of leaching process with adding gypsum or compost and their combination on improving of poorly productive salt affected soil, the rice growth and nutrient uptake at El-Hamoul area which represent the salt affected soil in the northern part of the Nile Delta. The treatments were adding gypsum in rates of 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 (Mg fed.-1) or compost in rates of 10 and 20 Mg fed.-1 and combination of 2.5 gypsum with compost 10 Mg fed.-1. Rice was transplanted after the recommended soil preparation. Three successive leachate were done with the same volume of irrigation water. The discharged water through drain’s outlet and its electrical conductivity (ECd) were measured. Soil physical and chemical properties and plant analysis were done at harvesting.
The results indicated that absolute differences in leachate volumes, due to leaching process, were relatively small for no amended soil and increased with gypsum application rates. The percolation of water through the gypsum treated soil profile was much faster than the control indicating that gypsum was the main factor to percolate process. Compost combined with gypsum treatment was more effective than compost alone. Salinity of the drained water (ECd ) values had sharply decreased until the third leaching, then a slight decrease was recorded with gypsum treatments. However, with compost treatments, the ECd values had the same trend, but the sharp decrease was retarded until the 4th leaching. The mean value of ECd in leachate was reduced from 32.50 to 5.17 dSm-1. This decrease was a function of the number of leachings of the soil.
Consequently, leaching the soil treated with gypsum was more effective in removing the soluble salts. Leaching with adding compost reduced ESP at the end of leaching than the control. Increasing gypsum rates decreased ESP. Moreover, leaching with gypsum and compost decreased ESP value to 11.64.
The results revealed that rice shoot dry weight was increased from 1890 to 2940 kg/fed. as gypsum rates increased from zero to 10 Mg fed-1. The corresponding value for compost increased from 2541 to 3801 kg/fed. at 10 and 20 Mg fed.-1, respectively. The combined effect of compost and gypsum treatment was greater than the individual one (4208 kg/fed.). Nitrogen and phosphorus content in rice dry matter was increased with compost application while they were not significantly affected by gypsum application rates. In addition, K content was not significantly affected by either gypsum or compost applications. The Na content was lower, however Ca and Mg content was higher in rice plants grown in gypsum treatments compared with compost ones. Thus, it can be said that leaching the salt affected soil with gypsum combined with compost was entirely safe. This treatment is more profitable than the leaching with water only (control).

In Egypt, northern part of the Nile Delta represents a large area of heavy clay soils with shallow open drainage which are low permeability that might have a low productivity. These soils are always threatened by a shallow saline groundwater. In the irrigated area, saline groundwater is a permanent source of soil salinization that causes poor productivity. A field experiment was onducted at North Nile Delta, Egypt (Islah-Motobus Region, Kafer El-Shiek Governorate), to evaluate the effect of subsoiling and mole drains with open drainage on improving some soil properties and yields of rice and sugar beet crops as well as raising the efficiency of the open drainage system.
Results indicate that, subsurface tillage operations with open surface drainage lowered the water table level, after all growing seasons. The mean values of water table levels are 59.5, 59.5 and 62.3 cm with subsoiling, mole drain and subsoiling +mole, respectively while, it is 44.3 cm with the control (open drainage). Water table level is lower after sugar beet than after rice. Soil salinity and sodcity in the topsoil, were reduced after subsoiling and moling
installation. The reductions of salinity, after three years from experiment installation were 86.71, 96.81 and 98.76% for subsoiling, moling and subsoiling +moling, respectively over the control. The corresponding values of ESP decreaces were 83.93, 83.20 and 119.40%, respectively. Ratio of Ca++/TSS in the topsoil (0-60cm) was increased in the treated soils. Subsoiling and/or moling seemed to be more effective on reducing soil bulk density especially in the surface layer (0-30cm). Subsoiling and/or moling treatments were superior
in enhancing soil porosity. Basic infiltration rate (BIR) was increased with subsoiling and/or moling (from 0.9 to 1.66 cm/h) while, it was ranged from 0.39 to 0.59 cm/h with the control (open drainage). Data also cleared that, BIR after rice crop season was lower than that after sugar beet crop season.
The saturation percent, field capacity and wilting point values are lower in the treated soils than untreated soils. Subsoiling and/or moling realized increases in quickly and slowly drainable pores (QDP and SDP) and higher decrease in fine capillary pores (FCP) than open drains. Mean values of QDP, SDP and FCP% in the soil depth of 0-60cm, are 8.71, 12.93 and 32.35%, respectively with open drainage. The corresponding values are 10.66, 16.57 and
23.80%, respectively with subsoiling and 11.56, 16.35 and 23.52%, respectively with moling and 12.52, 18.84 and 20.87%, respectively with subsoiling+moling.
Rice and sugar beet yields are related to the salinity contents in soil. The yields increased when the EC decreased as affected by subsoiling and/or moling. Rice and sugar beet yields are higher under subsoiling and/or moling than with open drains in all growing seasons. Rice grain yield is higher under subsoiling tillage, moling and subsoiling +moling by 37.19, 38.43,and 34.30%,respectively, than the control. The corresponding values of sugar beet yield are 5.31, 4.65 and 7.65 ton/fed., respectively

A field experiment was conducted at EL- Ismailia Agric. Res. Station, ARC to compare the effect of three different phosphorus sources ,i.e.,superphosphate, triple-superphosphate and rock- phosphate on some chemical properties of the soil after maize and peanut harvesting. Each of the tested phosphorus fertilizers were applied at different rates (31, 24 and 15.5 units of P2O5) in presence and /or absence of the phosphate dissolving bacteria Such effect was also considered due to maize and peanut crops productivity and their plant macronutrients uptake. Results revealed that phosphorus sources and rates increased EC values in soil as compared to no phosphorus application for maize or peanut crops. This trend was true for pH values only in the second season. Generally, the soil reaction (pH) was not significantly affected by phosphours treatments, while EC was significantly affected. The rates and forms of phosphorus either applied alone or combined with phosphate dissolving bacteria increased the soil available NPK. The highest soil available nutrient values were due to the effect of triple-superphosphate with high rate combined with Bacillus megatherium inoculation. Such significant increases were recorded in both crops as a result of increasing phosphorus rates and in presence of inoculation. Triple-superphosphate gave the highest values of soil available nutrients. The same behavior was observed in the yield of both maize and peanut and their nutrients uptake. The P recovery, a difference between forms of phosphorus, was greater at lower than at higher P-rates for both maize and peanut plants. P recovery percent was superiority of maize and peanut plants when triple, rock- phosphate at high rate combined with phosphate dissolving bacteria gave similar results recorded by the use of high rate of triple-superphosphate in presence inoculation. This, however, indicate that rock- phosphate can be used as a potential source of phosphorus fertilizer in presence of the phosphate dissolving bacteria (Bacillus megatherium).

Extra cellular polysaccharides (ESP) are components of bacterial cell wall,which play an important role in soil aggregation, interaction between the bacteria and their environment.
In this study a comparison between chemical compositions of exo-polysaccharides produced by some nitrogen fixing bacteria strains (Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus polymyxa, Rhizobium leguminosarum and Bradyrhizobium japonicum) with that of reference-identified strains was done.
The extractable exopolysaccharides were anaylysed using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high pereformance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
The data showed that extractable polysaccharides were more heterogenous in their composition than those homogeneous in others. The sugars polysaccharides of Azotobacter chroococcum consisted of mannitol (80.83%from total sugars), lactose (19.16%) while, Azospirillum consisted of galactose (14.05%); xylose (14.05%); arabinose (35.95%), pyruvic (35.95%). In contrast the polysaccharides of Bacillus polymyxa contained ribose (51.42%), glucose (11.98%) raffinose (11.98%); galactose (6.2%); arabinose (6.) pyruvic (6.2%) xylose (6.2%), rbizobial extractable polysaccharides contained galactose (25%), xylose (25%) arabinose (25%); pyruvic (25%) whereas excreted rhizobium polysaccharides comprised galactose (33.33%) ; arabinose (33.33%) and pyruvic(33.33%).

Wheat is one of the most important cereal crops in Egypt and the demand for it is increasing in all countries for animal and human consumption. Therefore, a great attention should be given to increase its productivity and improve its quality.
Zinc and copper are two micronutrients required in traces for normal plant growth. Zinc plays essential metabolic roles in plant and works as a regulatory cofactor for several enzymes. It is very closely involved in N metabolism of the plant. In zinc deficient plants protein synthesis and protein levels are markedly reduced, and amino acids and amides are accumulated. Copper is an important micronutrient and is a coenzyme having a vital function in plant metabolism. It is also plays a significant role in several physiological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, N-reduction and fixation. Brennan (2001) observed that applied zinc fertilizers increased wheat dry matter, zinc content of the dry matter and grain yields. Also , Ziaeian et al., (1999) reported that Copper sulfate application significantly increased dry matter and grain yield of wheat.
Inoculation of wheat by Azospirillum, causes improvements in NPK uptake. El-Sersawy et al., (1997) and Krol (1999) . (Zambre et al., (1984), Bala and Kundu (1988), Krol (1999) and Safwat et al.,2001) mentioned that inoculation of wheat by Azospirillum increased its yield components. Krol (1997) found that inoculation with Azospirillum increased the uptake Zn and Cu by wheat.
The current investigation was carried out to study the effect of Azospirillum inoculation and foliar spray of Zn and Cu on wheat production

The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of nitrogen levels on corn yield, N-utilization rate, and N-use efficiency under different of tillage systems and irrigation methods. Two field experiments were carried out at the experimental farm of Rice Mechanization Center, Meet El-Dyba, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt during the two successive seasons of 2002 and 2003. The recommended rate of corn seeds (Zea maize) variety single hybrid 10 was used.

The present work included the following treatments:-
1- Three different tillage systems as follows:-
Chisel plow (one pass) followed by disk harrow and land leveler, chisel plow (two passes) followed by disk harrow and land leveler and mouldboard plow followed by disk harrow and land leveler.
2- Two of irrigation methods: continuous furrow irrigation and alternative furrow irrigation.
3- Four of nitrogen levels 0, 80, 100 and 120 kg / fed.

The experiment results indicated that:-
1-Chisel plow two passes gave the highest value of the degree of soil pulverization (82.01 %) meanwhile, mouldboard plow gave the lowest value (57.95 %).
2- The energy requirements may be arranged in the following order: 6.29, 5.16 and 14.50 kW.h/fed for chisel plow (one pass), chisel plow (two passes) and mouldboard plow, respectively. It is clear that the highest value of energy requirement was obtained by using mouldboard plow.
3- The highest mean values of corn grain yield of 4994 and 5101 kg/ fed were obtained with mouldboard plow, continuous irrigation system and 120 kg N per feddan in the first and second season, respectively. While the lowest values were noticed with chisel plow (one pass).
4- Continuous furrow irrigation increased nitrogen uptake of corn grain comparing with alternative furrow irrigation at all nitrogen levels. Increasing nitrogen rates from zero to 80, 100 and 120 kg N per feddan led to increase nitrogen uptake of corn grain in the two seasons. The highest mean values of nitrogen uptake of corn grain of 51.3 and 51.2 kg N per feddan were obtained with 120 kg N per feddan in the first and second season, respectively.
5- The highest value of water use efficiency (2.43 kg/ m3) was obtained by using chisel plow (one pass) and 120 kg N per feddan for alternative furrow irrigation.
6- Using alternative furrow irrigation saved irrigation water of 14.04, 16.60 and 17.94 % for chisel plow (one pass), chisel plow (two passes) and mouldboard plow, respectively

Rice is one of the most important food and export crops of Egypt. Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate is an important site of the six Governorates producing the rice in Egypt. Nitrate pollution in food crops gets high attention and efforts from the researchers because it causes health and economic damage.
The objective of the present study is finding the answer of the following question:
Are there nitrate pollution in the rice grain produced in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate?
Four randomly rice grain samples from different fields replicated with four common varieties from every district of the ten districts of Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate in the two successive summer seasons of 2001 and 2002 were collected. This is equal to 320 samples (4 replication x 4 varieties x 10 districts x 2 seasons).
The samples were air dried, grinded and nitrate was extracted by acetic acid 2%. Nitrate was measured by colorimetric method.
Data show that the nitrate content of the rice grain of the studied varieties (Sakha 101, Sakha 102, Giza 177 and Giza 178) was less than the destructive level.
No clear correlation between the varities and the nitrate content.
Kafr El-Sheikh district had the highest average of rice nitrate content (10.1) g g-1, while Qualeen had the lowest average of nitrate content (3.5) µg g-1

Two field experiments were carried out at Ismailia Agricultural Research Station (IARS) under new reclaimed sandy soil conditions by using drip irrigation system during 2000/ 2001 and 2001/ 2002 winter seasons, to study the effect of irrigation water amounts and potassium fertilization rates on yield and yield components of fodder beet (Beta vulgaris L). Three irrigation amounts: 1840, 2300, and 2760 m3/ fed/ season were applied and four potassium rates: 0.0, 48, 72 and 96 kg K2O/ fed were studied.
The obtained results indicated that yield of fodder beet was increased by increasing the amount of irrigation water, and potassium rates singly or in combination. The fresh yield of roots was significantly increased by 17.1 and 19.8 % and the fresh yield of leaves increased by 27.9 and 50.8% when 2300 and 2760 m3/ fed were applied, respectively, compared to 1840 m3/ fed application. Increasing irrigation water also increased dry yields of both roots and leaves. In addition potassium fertilization increased root fresh yields by 17.5, 26.8 and 29.2 % of the control as 48, 72 and 96 kg K2O/ fed were applied, respectively. Regarding leaves fresh and dry yields, the maximum yield was obtained with 72 kg K2O/ fed treatment, a slight yield drop was observed with increasing K dose above that level. Increasing the amount of irrigation water significantly increased N and P contents, total protein and total carbohydrates of both roots and leaves. However, a negative correlation was observed between irrigation and K contents of both roots and leaves. On the other hand, increasing potassium fertilization rates resulted in significant increments in NPK, protein content as well as total carbohydrates of roots and leaves of fodder beet crop