SOIL HEALTH EVALUATION AS A RESULT OF USING GASEOUS AMMONIA AT DIFFERENT TIME PERIODS

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of long–term application with anhydrous ammonia on physicochemical properties of soil and soil microflora and nematodes. Soil samples were collected from different localities at El-fayom Governorate. Results revealed that two soil texture of EC. All tested soil collected from different localities were slightly alkaline. High percentage of organic matter was detected at depth 15 -30 cm of all sites treated with anhydrous ammonia. The highest sodium percentage was were recorded being sandy clay soil for Hossam Nassar farm site and sandy clay loam soil for both of Rahil and Tamia localities. Soil of Rahil and Tamia localities gave the highest values noticed at Tamia site. The highest amount of N and K was recorded in soil collected form Hossam Nassar (10 years long –term application). The total microbial count was recorded at the second depth (15 -30 Cm) than that observed at the first one. Total fungal counts recorded the highest values in soil samples collected from Rahil and Tamia treated with ammonia. Asymbiotic aerobic nitrogen fixers showed high percentage at soil treated with urea. Clear retardation of harmful Nematodes was recorded in soil treated with ammonia at different sites and at different depths. Key Word : Anhydrous Ammonia, Physical and Chemical porpertes, Micro flora, Nematodes.