Soil properties improvement and nitrogen leaching induced compost and mineral fertilization for maximizing grapevines production in arid regions, El-Minia, Egypt

Fawzi, T. M.; Abdel-Mawgoud, A. S. A.; Abada, M. A. M.; Abdelrhman, A.

doi:10.21608/aasj.2024.385599

Soil properties improvement and nitrogen leaching induced compost and mineral fertilization for maximizing grapevines production in arid regions, El-Minia, Egypt

Document Type : Research article

Authors

¹ Department of Soils and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt

² Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, Egypt

10.21608/aasj.2024.385599

Abstract

In addition to being environmentally hazardous, using an excessive quantity of chemical nitrogen fertilizer to boost crop output is not economically viable. In this study, flame seedless grapevines were fertilized with chemical nitrogen fertilizer and compost for two seasons (2021 and 2022) to assess nitrogen (N) application from various sources for minimized nitrogen leaching and raised grapevine production. The results showed that applying compost as an organic nitrogen source, either at a rate of 100% or combined with 50% ammonia sulfate (fast-release) or 50% Enciabeen (slow-release), was highly effective in reducing soil bulk density, improving soil fertility and water movement, and controlling nitrogen loss compared to using nitrogen entirely in mineral form. Compared to 100% ammonia sulfate, co-applying mineral nitrogen fertilizer at 50% ammonia sulfate and 50% Enciabeen resulted in a significant yield increase of 18% in the first season and 43% in the second season. The results of principal component analysis revealed that co-applying mineral nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of 50% ammonia sulfate and 50% Enciabeen or co-applying 50% ammonia sulfate and 50% compost as an organic nitrogen source caused a gradual improvement in berry quality, increased Total soluble solid (TSS) %, berry weight, and dimensions, TSS/acid, and total sugars %. Moreover, co-applying slow- and fast-release fertilizers or combining mineral fertilizers with organic materials is the most effective approach to improving soil characteristics, increasing grape production, enhancing seedless grapevine quality, and reducing nitrogen loss. Adding compost to farmlands improved most physical and hydraulic soil properties, especially those with low organic matter and poor structure.

Keywords