USING THE NEUTRON SCATTERING TECHNIQUE TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF SOIL CONDITIONERS ON THE MOISTURE CONTENT AND PRODUCTIVITY OF SANDY SOIL

Egypt's sustainable agriculture faces challenges from sandy soil, poor water retention, and nutrient deficiency. This study uses neutron scattering techniques to investigate the effects of two soil conditioners, compost and water treatment residues (WTR), on soil moisture dynamics and crop productivity in sandy soils. The Nuclear Research Centre in Egypt conducted field experiments for wheat (Triticum aestivum L., Gimmiza-11) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea, Giza 6) during the 2021/2022 winter season and the 2023 summer season, respectively. Treatments included three irrigation levels (100%, 80%, and 60% of field capacity) and two soil conditioners, arranged in a split-plot design. Soil moisture was assessed using a neutron moisture meter, allowing accurate monitoring at various soil depths. Results indicated that compost significantly improved soil moisture retention and crop yields across all irrigation regimes, particularly under water stress. At full irrigation (100% FC), compost-amended soil exhibited the highest post-irrigation soil moisture and yields for both crops. The WTR improved water retention, albeit less effectively than compost. Control plots consistently had the lowest moisture content and yield. The research demonstrates that integrating organic amendments, especially compost, alongside precision irrigation methods can significantly enhance water use efficiency and agricultural yield in sandy, arid soils.