ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted at a sandy soil in south of ELQantara
East station, North Sinai, to investigate the effect of applying
juice pomegranate wastes (JPW) and farmyard manure (FYM) at the
rates of 0, 25, 50, 100, and 150 Mg.ha-1 on soil properties and yield of
wheat. Soil pH, and EC decreased with increasing the application rate of
either JPW or FYM, while, the organic carbon content was increased.
Also, soil bulk density, penetration resistance, and hydraulic conductivity
were decreased with increasing application rates of either JPW or FYM.
The maximum water holding capacity was increased. Grain wheat yield
increased with increasing either JPW or FYM rates up to the 150 Mg.ha-
1. Obtained data showed that N, P and K contents in grain wheat
increased with increasing either JPW or FYM rate up to the 150 Mg.ha-1.
It could be concluded that either juice pomegranate wastes or FYM are a
good source of P and K when applied to soil and its application may be
reduce the amount of fertilizers required for optimum crop yield. The
average yields were 2.91, 3.68, 4.77, and 5.74 Mg.ha-1for JPW addition
rates of 25, 50, 100, and 150 Mg.ha-1, respectively. While, they reached
2.44, 3.29, 4.07 and 4.99 Mg.ha-1 for FYM additions at the same rates,
respectively. Statistical analysis showed that a quadratic function fitted
the relationships between both JPW or FYM rates and grain wheat yield
(r = 0.99** and 0.98**, respectively). Differential's method of quadratic
equation obtained was used to find the predicted values of critical level
of rate JPW and FYM amendments, the value for critical level of rate
was 202 Mg.ha-1 and 252 Mg.ha-1, respectively. Indication the rate where
further change in the yield results in a reduction.