Effects of a Magnetic Field on Surface and Subsurface Drip Irrigation Water, Tomato Plants and Desert Sandy Soil Characteristics

ABSTRACT This study, conducted in Shosha, Minia, Egypt, aimed to evaluate the effects of magnetically treated saline groundwater on both soil characteristics and the performance of tomato crops grown in arid sandy soils. The influence of magnetic fields on water quality was first assessed to determine its suitability for irrigation. Subsequently, the combined effects of MWT with different irrigation methods—namely, surface drip irrigation (SDI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI)—as well as system design types (closed vs. open systems), were examined to understand their impact on soil health and chemical properties under saline conditions. Magnetic treatment significantly improved water quality by reducing sodium and chloride accumulation in the root zone and decreasing the Na/Cl ratio from 1.07 to 0.98. This facilitated salt leaching and reduced plant salt stress. Treated water also lowered soil electrical conductivity (EC) and soluble ion concentrations while increasing soil moisture retention and field capacity. SSDI with magnetised water achieved a wetted soil volume of 94,500 cm 3 —vastly greater than 6720 cm 3 under unmagnetised open SDI. Emitter clogging ratio (ECR) was reduced from 12% to 5%, improving system reliability. Application efficiency rose from 89% to 97%, and emission uniformity improved from 90% to 96%.