Effect of Phosphate and Potassium Humate on Growth and ‎Productivity Traits of Maize (Zea Mays L.) Cultivated in ‎Calcareous Soil

Osama Hatta⁽¹⁾Ghiath Alloush^*(2)and Rabee Zainah(1)

(1). Lattakia Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(2). Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Tishreen, Latakia, Syria.

(*Cprresponding author: Dr. Ghiath Alloush. E-Mail: galloush@scs-net.org).

Received: 17/01/2020 Accepted: 04/04/2020

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in calcareous soil (CaCO₃ = 49.7%) during 2018 season at Stkheres Research Station in Lattakia to study the effect of humates (0 and 25 kg K-humate/ha) on the response of maize crop (Tango hybrid) to TSP application (0 – 30 – 60 – 90 – 120 and 240 kg/ha). The experiment therefore consisted of 12 treatments with three replicates, and plots were completely randomized. Growth and P uptake were followed on complete selected plants 56 and 101 days from sowing, corresponding to VT and V6 of maize phonological stages. At harvest (after 101 days), productivity of grain yield and straw were measured and some efficiency parameters related to growth. Also, P uptake and productivity were calculated. Maize plants produced the highest dry matter in non-humic treatments at VT stage in the treatment P5H0 (115.1g/plant), which was not significantly different compared to the second TSP application rate in the presence of humate (treatment P2H1=112 g/plant). The analysis of variance showed a highly significant effect for both phosphate and humates applications on relative grain yield increase (RGYI), which increased in P3H0 treatment by 21.5% and in P3H1 treatment by 28.1%. Humate application did not provide a significant impact on the phosphate utilization efficiency.

Keyword: Phosphate fertilizer TSP, Potassium humate, Zea mays, Calcareous soil.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

The Effect of Soil Treatments with Different Concentrations ‎of Sulfuric Acid on Some Vegetative Growth Traits of Tomato ‎‎(Lycopersicom esculentum L.) Under the Conditions of ‎DerAzzur Governorate

Maain Najem AlAbdallah⁽¹⁾ and Mohammed Ahmad AlSheikh^*(1)

(1). Soil and Reclamation Lands Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al Furat University, DerAzzur, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Mohammed Ahmad AlSheikh. E-Mail: mmnndd9074@gmail.com).

Received: 21/03/2020 Accepted: 12/05/2020

Abstract

Under the natural conditions of soil and climate in Der Azzur governorate, the experiment was carried out in pot size (1000) cm³ during the agricultural season (2018). The soil was clay, and some physical, chemical and fertility analyzes were conducted in order to study the effect of soil treatment with different concentrations of sulfur acid solutions, on some vegetative growth traits of tomato plants Lycopersicon esculentum (supermarimond) variety. The sulfur acid solutions concentrations were 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2)%. The soil at each concentration treated with a solution concentration of (100) ml. The major nutrients were added at 15 ppm of (N, P, K), as urea (46% N), superphosphate (46% P2O5) and potassium sulfate (50% K₂O), while the control treatment (0) was treated with (100) ml of distilled water only, and the major nutrients were added as in the other treatments. The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. With the addition of 1.6% of sulfuric acid, the tomato gave the highest values of germination percentage, number and length of leaves, leaf area surface and fresh and dry weight /plant.

Keywords: Sulfuric acid, Tomatoes, Vegetative growth traits.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Mineralogical Composition and Genesis Properties of Soils ‎Formed on Igneous Rocks in Some Areas of Latakia ‎Governorate

Samar Ghanem^*(1) and Adel Rukia⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Samar Ghanem. E-Mail: samar77ghanem@gmail.com).

Received: 02/05/2019 Accepted: 01/10/2019

Abstract

The aim of this research was conducted in 2018, to study the mineralogical properties as well as, the origin of the soil formed on an igneous rock in the coastal region in lattakia governorate. Soil survey had been conducted in the study area, then two soil profiles were chosen as a representative one. Soil profiles were described and soil samples were collected for physical, chemical, morphological, and mineralogical studies. The results showed that the soil profiles were undeveloped, newly formed, with high soil composition formed from the parent material. The micro morphological study of the parent material, as well as the mineralogical composition and weathering process emphasized the domination of primary minerals, where the weathering process was still in the early stages. Nevertheless, the occurrence of some secondary minerals such as Kaolinite and Leucite can be considered as transferred minerals or formed in a previous suitable conditions for it. Similarly, Philipsite can be considered as secondary minerals formed from weathering of igneous rocks. All in all, according to the American soil classification, the soil can be classified as follows: (Order, Suborder, Great group, Sub group).

P1: Entisols, Orthents, Xerorthents, Typic Xerorthents .

P2: Entisols, Orthents, Xerorthents, Lithic Xerorthents .

Keywords: Mineral composition, Micro morphological study, Diagnostic properties, Soil classification, Weathering indicators.

Full paper in Arabic: PDF

Evaluation of Groundwater Quality and Effect of its Use for Irrigation on Surface Soil Salinity in South East of Syria (Alyaaroubiya Area)

Rami Kaba⁽¹⁾ and Ahmad Majar^*(2)

(1). Alqamishli Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(2). Administration of Natural Resources, GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Ahmad Majar. E-Mail: majar2000us@gmail.com, majar2000us@gcsar.gov.sy).

Received: 10/03/2019 Accepted: 15/04/2019

Abstract

Groundwater is considered the main irrigation resource in South-eastern of Syria (Syrian Jazeera). In order to guarantee its sustainable use, qualitative and quantitative evaluation is very much needed. Our study aimed to evaluate wells water quality, as main source for irrigation, and its effect on soil salinity. The study was conducted during 2012 and 2013 in Alyaaroubiya province. Field investigation was undertaken in two stages, where soil and water samples from 16 locations were collected, first and second stages included 7 and 9 locations respectively. pH, EC and TDS, cations and anions were determined, in addition, water quality indicators were calculated. Results showed that water salinity as well as use restrictions were varied from sever to medium levels at different wells, according to infiltration indicator there were no restrictions in the wells 1 and 2, slight ones in the wells 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. According to chloride poisoning, no restriction noticed in the well 8 and slight to medium in the well 9, however rest of wells were suffered of high content of chloride where its concentrations varied between 12.9 and 97.2 mg/l. It was recognized that increasing of soil salinity was compatible with increasing of irrigated water salinity especially in the zone 2, where salinity of the soil, irrigated from the well 16 of highest salinity of water (14.5 dS/m), reached 8.4 dS/m. Dominated salts were chloride and sulfate of sodium, calcium and at lower rate magnesium, and less content of bicarbonate.

Keywords: Groundwater, Water salinity, Soil salinity.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Designing a Computer Software to Calculate Plant Water Requirements

Mazen Dougouz⁽¹⁾ Mahammed Haqqoun⁽¹⁾ Ayman Hijazi^*(1) and Hadi Nasr-Allah⁽¹⁾

(1). Administration of Natural Resources, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research GCSAR, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Ayman Hijazi. E-Mail: siraiman@yahoo.com).

Received: 18/08/2019 Accepted: 02/10/2019

Abstract

This research was carried out at the Administration of Natural Resources Research, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research GCSAR, in 2018; it is considered a computer software with the first version, which calculates the quantity of water requirement for optimal plant growth without water stress according to the climatic data which was calculated for the specific area, taking into consideration no water waste, according to the proper irrigation method of the plant based on the climate data which is included in the program database. The monthly modified crop coefficients were confirmed which depended on the phonological stages of crops and trees and the results of long term of researchs that were carried out at the irrigation research stations of GCSAR, which distributed to cover the seven water basins in Syria. This program calculates the monthly plant water requirements for crops, vegetables, and trees according to Penman Montieth equation which estimates the reference evapotranspiration taking into consideration the irrigation efficiency and coefficient of reduction according to the irrigation method. This program aimed to be a guide software for estimating plant water requirements and this software is considered as a result of a research project which was supported by (GCSAR) reflecting its efforts to rationalize uses of irrigation water and improving water use efficiency especially in arid and semi-arid regions, which already had scarce in its water resources.

Keywords: Software, Water requirement, Evapotranspiration, Crop coefficient.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Evaluation of Land Suitability for the Cultivation in A Chosen Area in Al-Hasaka Using GIS and LAMIS Program

Rukea El-Hassan*⁽¹⁾ Othman Hamal⁽²⁾ and Younes Idris⁽³⁾

(1). Natural Resources Research Administration, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(2). Department of Soil and Land Reclamation, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Euphrates, Der Ezzor, Syria.

(3). General organization of Remote Sensing, Damascus. Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Rukea El-Hassan. E-Mail: rukeaalhasn@gmail.com).

Received: 02/05/2019 Accepted: 01/10/2019

Abstract

This research was conducted at a selective area in Al Hasaka Governorate (Wadi Khribet Al Maliha) to evaluate the profitability of its lands to be grown and determine the optimum land use of it. A geo-pedological soil survey was initiated, and 10 soil profiles representing the physiographic units in the study area were collected for some chemical and physical properties analysis. Land evaluation was achieved using LAMIS (Land Management Information System) program under ArcView 3x platform. Evaluation was done by applying map-algebra on both crops’ requirements with parametric conditions of lands and climate characteristics. The results of the evaluation showed that 23.28 % of studied area had good suitability S1, 73.02% had moderate suitability S2, because of simple limitations (CaSo₄, and active depth), and 3.62% had limited suitability because of moderate limitations (CaSo₄, and frost).

Key words: Land suitability evaluation, LAMIS program, Geographic Information System, AL- Hasaka.

Full Paper in Arabic: Word

Trends of Daily Temperature Extremes in the Coastal Region of Syria, 1986–2016

Heven Bouzo⁽¹⁾ and Taher Cheikho^*(1)

(1). Department of Forestry and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Taher Cheikho. E-mail: taher.cheikho@yahoo.fr).

Received: 20/10/2019 Accepted: 07/12/2019

Abstract

Climate change and its potential consequences are one of the major challenges facing human development in the 21^st century and one of the most important environmental issues related to human life, prosperity and security. This study examined the trends in thirteen annual extreme indices of temperature over the period 1986-2016 at Lattakia and Safita in the Syrian coastal region. Analysis of annual time series trends of temperature indices using linear regression test and Man- Kendall test revealed that the coastal region is warming. Clear and significant increasing trends were found at both stations in the annual number of summer days and tropical nights, the annual average of maximum and minimum daily temperatures, warm days and warm nights and diurnal temperature range, and insignificant increasing trend in temperature of the hottest days. Clear and significant increasing trend was also found in the temperature of the warmest nights at Lattakia station. In contrast, clear significant decreasing trends were detected in the cool days and the cool nights, and insignificant decreasing trends in the temperature of the coldest nights. The temperature of the coldest days witnessed an insignificant decreasing trend at Lattakia station and an increasing trend at Safita station. Comparing the trends observed in the Syrian coast region suggests that, in general, the Lattakia station closer to the Mediterranean Sea warmed at a greater rate than Safita mountain station.

Key words: Climate extreme indices, Daily temperature, Trends, Lattakia, Safita.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Specific Composition of Fauna Fishes in the Lower Part of Alkabir Alshimali River (Latakia)

Issa Barakat^*(1) Adeeb Saad⁽²⁾ Abd Allatif Ali⁽³⁾ and Taher Sheikho⁽¹⁾

(1). Forestry and Environment Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Syria.

(2). Basic Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Syria.

(3). General Organization of Fishery, Jeblaeh, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Issa Barakat. E-Mail: issabarakat93@gmail.com).

Received: 12/02/2019 Accepted: 25/03/2019

Abstract

The current research was carried out during the period July 2017 to June 2018 with the aim of determining the specific composition on the fauna of fishes at the lower part of Alkabir Alshimali River. Fish samples were collected from three locations, viz. Lake Aldamat, Industrial Zone and the Estuary area. The results showed the presence of twelve species of bony fish, where Cyprinidae was ranked first in terms of numerical abundance, with a ratio of 38.57% of the total catch during the study period, while Clariidae was the least abundant, which accounted 4.52% of the total catch. The species Planiliza abu was the most abundant species where it accounted 20.56% of the total catch, but Anguilla anguilla was the least abundant species with 4.21% of the total catch. The results also showed some differences in the species of fish that were named and classified in the current study from previous studies.

Keywords: Fauna of fish, Alkabir Alshimali River, Species structure.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Ability of Natural Zeolite Ore to Bind Cadmium from Aqueous Solutions

Batool Salameh*⁽¹⁾ and Leila Habib⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*corresponding author: Eng: Batool Salameh. E-Mail: batoolzaka@gmail.com).

Received: 02/02/2018 Accepted: 19/06/2018

Abstract

The objective of this study was first characterization of natural zeolite ore by the use of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and to study the ability of natural zeolite ore to bind Cadmium from aqueous solutions. Adsorption factors such as zeolite particles size, initial Cd concentration, shaking time, solution:zeolite ratio and pH were studied. Adsorption isotherms constructed then by the use of batch adsorption experiments. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to discuss adsorption data. XRD results showed that Analcime and Phillipsite are the main zeolitic minerals, and it contained non zeolitic minerals such as quartz, calcite and smectite minerals. Natural zeolite ore had high ability to remove cadmium from water solutions, and had 28 mg.g^-1 as maximum adsorption capacity. Adsorption increased with increasing initial cadmium concentration, shaking time and initial pH degree. The pH 4-6 showed best range for adsorption. Adsorption is not affected by zeolite particle size and solution:zeolite ratio. This study was conducted at Soil Chemistry Laboratory during 2016/2017 except XRD which was conducted at the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria.

Key word: Zeolite ore, X Ray Diffraction, Adsorption, Cadmium.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF

Effect of Plant Species on The Response to Phosphate Rock as a Source for Phosphorus Nutrition in Alkaline Soil

Rabab Moner Nasser^*(1)Leila Ahmed Habib⁽¹⁾ and Ghiath Ahmed Alloush⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Rabab Moner Nasser. Email: rababnasser1973@gmail.com).

Received: 08/04/2018 Accepted: 02/07/2018

Abstract

A field trial was conducted in 2014 at Al Henadi village, which located in south of Latakia, to evaluate the response of three plant species: Rape plant, chickpea and Bermuda grass to phosphate rock (PR) compared to triple super phosphate (TSP). Phosphate sources (PR and TSP) were applied at three rates (520, 1040, 1560 kg P/ha) besides the control without addition. Also, an agar experiment was conducted to illustrate the role of root exudates in rhizosphere pH changes. The results showed that rape plant had high response to PR application, with high relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE%) of 102% compared to TSP. Whereas chickpea came second with a RAE value of 77.5% compared to TSP. Finally, Bermuda showed a RAE% varied between 2 and 75% according to the number of cut, and 44% for total yield. The main factor may influence plant response to PR was due to induced changes in pH by roots system, and the exuded organic acids as showed by agar technique in chickpea and rape.

Key words: Rape plant, Chickpea, Bermuda grass, Phosphate rock, Agar technique.

Full Paper in Arabic: PDF