Evaluation of the Use of Magnetization Technology in Unconventional Irrigation Water on the Quality and Growth of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Institute of Soil, Water and Environmental Research, Centre of Agricultural Research

2 Faculty of Graduate Studies and Environmental Research, Ain Shams University

3 Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University

Abstract

Due to climatic changes the world has suffered from water scarcity in the last decades, which led to the use of low-quality water for irrigation in the agriculture sector. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the characteristic’s magnetic field under saline condition on the growth characteristics and quality of Thyme. The experiment design was spilt- split-plot with two different water quality (magnetic water field and saltwater) and magnetic iron as a soil conditioner with three rates (i,e.,0-100-150 mg/Kg). All experiments were performed in three replicates. The results showed a positive effect of the magnetic water field (MWF) interaction with magnetic iron (Fe3O4) at the rate of 150 mg/Kg on soil macronutrients, Ca+2 and K+ content. This condition decreased the harmful effects of Na+ and Cl- ions, while there was no effect on the soil pH. The findings revealed that the interaction application of MWF+ magnetic iron (Fe3O4) at the rate of 150 mg/Kg gave a positive response on shoot fresh and dry weight. It was shown that the best high level of thyme essential oils was achieved using saltwater + magnetic iron (Fe3O4) at the rate of 100 and 150 mg/Kg.
Keywords: Magnetic Field, Saltwater, Magnetic Iron, Essential Oil, Thyme.

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