Saturday, 15 July 2006
155-152

Soil Fertility Impact on Sandy Soil of Kuwait.

Mahdi Abdal and Majda Suleiman. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, p. o. box 24885, Safat, 13109, Kuwait

Plants need various nutrients to grow and develop and most of these nutrients are absorbed from soil solution. Twenty elements have been found to be essential for the growth and development of plants, though each plant may have different needs of these elements. The increase demand for fertilizer and plant nutrients in the world is clear evidence, that growers and farmers have recognized the return that can be realized from added nutrients. Soil fertility, plant breeding and pest control can be accounted as the most contributors to the advancement of plant production and development. The use of various plant nutrients will improve yield and increase farmer profit. Efficient management and understanding of soil potential and capability of production is very essential for maximum return. Soil of Kuwait is very poor in plant nutrient contents and the soil has high amount of calcareous materials, which effect any nutrient application. Most farms use heavy amounts of fertilizer to improve the soil capability and increase yield of mostly vegetables crops utilizing desalinated sea water and protected environment. The majority of the fertilizer used are broadcasted before planting or injected with the irrigation water. Soil fertility in Kuwait did improve soil capability and plant production. Some of the nutrients are leached within the soil horizons or fixed with the calcareous layers. The objective of the paper is to study the fertility trials in Kuwait and compare the various plant nutrient applications in different periods of time and understand soil solution requirements within the cultural practices in Kuwait. Key Words: Agriculture, irrigation, fertilizer, nutrient, calcareous, soil, vegetable, horizons, and yield.


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