EFFECT OF IRRIGATION WITH MAGNETIC SALINE GROUND WATER ON SOIL AND GRAPE CROP

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of magnetic treatments on some soil chemical properties and some characteristics of grapes grown in this soil under saline irrigation conditions. The present investigation was started with samples collection in June 2014, samples were collected from El-khatatba (Mudug Abu El-Azaim, Cairo Alexandria Desert Road, El-Menoufia, Egypt). Soil and plant samples were collected from representing areas irrigated with two different sources of water (treated well-untreated well water). In El-khatatba farm three soil profiles were dug to the depth of 90 cm and soil samples were collected from successive depth (0-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm). The results indicated that irrigation with magnetized water led to a decrease in pH values in soil samples at different depths comparing to soils irrigated with non-magnetized water. Also data show irrigation with magnetized water led to a decrease in EC and soluble ions contents in soil samples at different depths comparing to soils irrigated with non-magnetized water. The amount of available Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn in different layers of the studied soil profiles were slight increase in soil irrigated with magnetized water compared with soil irrigated with non-magnetized water. Plant results indicated that fresh and dry weights of grape and leaves were higher in plants irrigated with magnetized ground water than those grown without magnetic treatment. Also data showed significant increase in photosynthetic pigment fractions (chlorophyll a&b) in grape leaves irrigated with magnetic water, while low chlorophyll content in leaves not subjected to magnetic treatment. Proline content increased significantly in leaves of grape after magnetic treatment. Total phenols in grape fruits increased significantly after magnetic treatment. Application of magnetic water increased significantly total soluble sugars % and total soluble solids % in grape fruits compared to grapes irrigated with non-treated water. Irrigation with magnetized water reduced acidity % in grape fruits. Also data indicated that irrigation of grape leaves by magnetic water exhibited an increase in (macro nutrient) nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous contents and (micro nutrient) iron, manganese, copper and zinc contents compared with leaves irrigated with nonmagnetic water.