Dr. Mohamed S A A D Aly Emam | Agricultural Research Center (original) (raw)

Papers by Dr. Mohamed S A A D Aly Emam

Asian Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 2021

Sweet Marjoram is considered as one of the important herbal plants, grown in many countries for m... more Sweet Marjoram is considered as one of the important herbal plants, grown in many countries for medical and nutritional purposes and is an abundant source of valuable biologically active substances and mineral components. An experiment has been carried out on sweet marjoram at the experimental site of Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Research Center, Ministry of Agriculutre and land reclamation, Egypt under a net duble span house, during seasons of 2019and 2020. The experiment was carried out to study the effect of different nutrient solution sources and verimicompost rates on production of Sweet Marjoram grown in sand culture. In this experiment, Three sources of nutrient solution were under investigation (chemical nutrient solution "CN. S." as a control treatment, vermi-liquid "V. L." and mixture of chemical nutrient solution andvermi-liquid (50%:50%) "CN.S.+V.L."), also, five rates of vermicompost have been added to sand culture(zero% of vermicompost "V.C. 0%"as a control treatment, 10% Vermicompost "V.C. 10%", 20% Vermicompost "V.C. 20%", 30% Vermicompost "V.C. 30%"and 40% Vermicompost "V.C. 40%").Regarding the effect of nutrient solution source; results illustrated that chemical nutrient solution recorded the highest values for vegetative growth, yield and chemical measurments. also data clearfied that the mixture of chemical nutrient solution and vermi-liquid (50%:50%) "CN.S.+V.L." recorded a promising results very close to the chemical nutrient solution and more healther; because the amount of chemicals used in this nutrient solution have been reduced into the half amount only comparison with chemical nutrient solution. For that, the mixture of chemical nutrient solution and vermi-liquid (50%:50%) could be considered as the most suitable nutrient solution for sweet marjoram. Concerning the effect of different vermicompost rates, results showed that adding vermicompost rate by 30% to sand culture recorded the highest values for plant height, number of branches /plant, Fresh and dry weights of the aerial parts /plant, yields of the fresh and dry herb/ m 2 , yield of aromatic oil/ m 2 (V.C. 40% recorded higher values for yield of the aromatic oil/m 2 than V.C. 30% but the difference between both of them was not significant), and N,P,K% in leaves.

International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2021

Aims: Sensing, monitoring and control the micro-climate measurements and environmental conditions... more Aims: Sensing, monitoring and control the micro-climate measurements and environmental conditions of greenhouse prototype to create a smart hydroponic greenhouse for maximizing the food production as well as minimizing the ecological footprint under the climate change impacts, Coved 19 crisis, and natural resources shortages. Study Design: Factorial with 3 replicates. Place and Duration of Study: Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Research Center, Egypt during 2020. Methodology: Two systems of hydroponic culture, nutrient film technique (NFT) and deep flow technique (DFT) that cultivated by lettuce plants were established under greenhouse (polycarbonate) prototype (0.8 * 1.2 * 0.6 m) designed with artificial grown light and cooling system. Based on Arduino Mega 2560 that programmed via the Arduino IDE program, different sensors and actuators were used to establishing the smart greenhouse. Internet of things (IoT) via Node MCU ESP 8266 that programmed to transmitted the data every 30 min. to the internet web google platform (Firebase) for presenting the real-time records and hosting the data. Vegetative characteristics; yield parameters and N, P, and K contents of lettuce plants were measured. Results: the smart greenhouse worked according to the programming of Arduino Mega and Node

International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2021

Aims: Assess The sustainable production of tomato and cucumber under greenhouse conditions for me... more Aims: Assess The sustainable production of tomato and cucumber under greenhouse conditions for meeting the challenges of natural resources shortage, food security and economic. Study Design: Two experiments performed in complete randomized blocks with three replicates. Place and Duration of Study: Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Research Center, Egypt, during two autumn seasons of 2018 and 2019 (tomato) and two spring seasons of 2019 and 2020 (cucumber). Methodology: Different soilless culture systems for producing tomato and cucumber under greenhouse were investigated: Hydroponic systems (Nutrient film technique (NFT) and deep flow technique (DFT)); and substrate systems (Dutch bucket, pot, container, and horizontal bag). Vegetative characteristics, yield parameters, N, P, and K contents, and environmental impact assessment were measured. Results: Substrate systems gave the highest vegetative growth characteristics, yield parameters, N, P and K contents of tomato and cucumber leaves, as well as the highest power use efficiencies compared to hydroponic systems. Container and bags systems gave the highest results of tomato and cucumber vegetative growth, respectively, but the highest yield and net profits records

Egyptian Journal of Horticulture, 2020

This study was conducted at Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Resear... more This study was conducted at Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt during two successive seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 under open field urban conditions. The study investigated the effect of using as
well as the efficiency of different soilless culture techniques including substrate culture systems; container, pots and horizontal bags beside two systems of nutrient film technique (NFT); vertical A shape and flat in a close system on vegetative growth and production of strawberry plants grown under open field conditions in urban area. Standard substrate used in all systems was peat moss: perlite (1:1 v/v). Planting densities differed regarding each used soilless system specifications.
Illustrated that, used substrate systems gave the highest vegetative growth characteristics, yield parameters, N, P and K contents of strawberry leaves as well as the highest water and power use efficiencies compared to NFT systems. The ecology sustainable agriculture of strawberry under urban conditions could achieved by implement substrate culture in general.
Amongst substrate culture systems container system recorded the highest vegetative growth characteristics but the highest yield was attained by bags system . All substrate systems had the highest values of N, P and K contents of strawberry leaves compared to NFT systems. The study recommended that bags substrate system which recorded the highest yield per m2 (average 15.2 kg/m2), average PUE (2.4 kg/kw) and WUE (43.7 kg/m3) with an economic value followed by container system under urban conditions could be used for producing strawberry sustainably and ecologically.

Acta agriculturae Slovenica, 2020

Field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of the Central Laboratory for Agricultura... more Field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, during two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018. This experiment aims to improve the organic production of sweet corn via some organic extracts under different sowing dates. The seeds of sweet corn (Misthi F1 Hybrid) were planted on three different dates on 15 April, 10 May and 5 June in both seasons. Extracts of compost, vermi-compost and chicken manure with applying half dose of compost were compared to full dose of compost. Results showed that early sowing had positive effect on growth, yield and ear properties of sweet corn. Applying half dose of compost with adding vermicompost extract gave the highest growth, yield and ear properties of sweet corn without significant differences compared to 50 % compost + chicken manure extract treatment in plant height and leaves number per plant. The treatments of the half dose of compost with adding any organic extracts were superior to the full dose of compost in all studied traits. This study revealed that early planting (April 15) with applying a half dose of compost + vermicompost extract produced the highest yield and quality of sweet corn ears. Učinki datuma setve in izvlečkov nekaterih organskih gnojil na pridelek sladke koruze Izvleček: Poljski poskus je bil izveden na poskusni postaji Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, v rastnih sezonah 2017 in 2018. Na-men poskusa je bil izboljšati ekološko pridelavo sladke koruze z izvlečki nekaterih organskih gnojil in različnimi datumi setve. Semena sladke koruze so bila v obeh rastnih sezonah poseja-na v treh različnih terminih, 15. aprila, 10. maja in 5, junija. Učinki izvlečkov komposta, vermikomposta in kokošjega gnoja s polovičnim dodatkom komposta so bili primerjani z obravna-vanjem s polnim dodatkom komposta. Rezulatati so pokazali, da je imela zgodnja setev pozitivne učinke na rast, pridelek in lastnosti storžev sladke koruze. Uporaba polovičnega odmerka komposta z dodatkom vermikomposta je dala najboljšo rast, največji pridelek in najboljše lastnosti storžev sladke koruze brez značilnih razlik v primerjavi z obravnavanjem s 50 % komposta in izvlečkom kokošjega gnoja glede na višino rast-lin in število listov na rastlino. Obravnavanja s polovičnim od-merkom komposta so bila boljša kot tista s polnim odmerkom komposta v vseh preučevanih lastnostih. V raziskavi je bilo ugotovljeno, da je bil dosežen največji pridelek in dosežene najboljše lastnosti storžev sladke koruze pri zgodnji setvi (15. april) in uporabi polovičnega odmerka komposta z dodatkom izvlečka vermikomposta. Ključne besede: sladka koruza; datum setve; izvleček komposta; izvleček vermikomposta; izvlečki gnojil Acta agriculturae Slovenica, 116/1-2020 12 S. ABOUL-EL-HASSAN et al.

Egyptian Journal of Soil Science , 2020

T WO FIELD experiments were conducted at the experimental farm of the Central Laboratory for Agri... more T WO FIELD experiments were conducted at the experimental farm of the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, during 2017 and 2018 seasons, toevaluatethe effects of compost and organic extracts on growth and yield of sweet corn (Misthi F1 Hybrid)and microbial populations in rhizosphere. Extracts of compost, vermicompost and chicken manure with adding half dose of compost were compared to full dose of compost and mineral fertilizers. The populations of total bacteria, fungi and phosphate solublizing bacteria were estimated. Results showed that applying half dose of compost with adding vermin compost (50% C + VEx) extract gave the highest growth, yield and ear properties of sweet corn without any significant differences compared to mineral fertilizer treatment. Applying half dose of compost with adding extract of compost or chicken manure decreased growth, yield and ear properties of sweet corn compared to mineral fertilizer. 50% C + ChEx recorded the highest total bacterial counts. The treatments of half dose of compost with adding any organic extracts were superior to full dose of compost (100% C) in all studied traits. This study revealed the possibility of using half dose of compost with adding vermicompost extract for producing satisfactory yield quantity with high quality of sweet corn ears.

Bioscience Research, 2019

EVOLUTION OF SOME EGYPTIAN STRAINS BARLEY CULTIVATORS FOR GREEN FODDER HYDROPONIC SYSTEM AND PREDICTION DIGESTIBILITY VALUES BY IN-VITRO DAISYII INCUBATOR, 2018

he hydroponic under Egyptian condition take more attention in the last decade. The experiment was... more he hydroponic under Egyptian condition take more attention in the last decade. The experiment was conducted under net house in intensive hydroponic system and replicated three times during January and February 2017. The study was done to evaluate vegetative characteristics and quality properties of produced sprouting of six barley cultivars (Giza123,126,127,128,129 and130). The results observed that the sprouting can be produce in 8 days from planting to harvest using hydroponic technique under the net house conditions. The Highest green barley fodder was recorded with Giza 127 followed by 129 which gave 6.98, 6.83 Kg, respectively compared with other strain. The results indicated that the highest value of fresh sprout: seeds weight ratio was recorded significantly by Giza 127 followed by Giza 129 compared to the other four cultivars. The crude protein values in several green fodder barley species significant (P<0.05) increase (the range from 11.56 to 13.45%) compared with its grains (the range from 9.58 to 12.60%). The highest values CP% in green fodder barley recorded with (Giza 127) was (13.45% on DM basis). There were a significantly (P<0.05) increase for CF% between green fodder barley species (the range from 9.93 to 14.36) in 8-days sprouting compared with the several original barley grains (the range from 5.67 to 8.85%). Also, the EE were significant increased except (Giza 129 and Giza 130) were decreased. The highest significant values NDF was recorded (37.47%) with (Giza 123) compared several cultivator Green fodder barley species, but ADF was recorded (17.93) with (Giza 127). The highest significant values ADF and acid insoluble ash were recorded (5.91 and 1.78) with (Giza 130) compared several cultivator Green fodder barley species. The highest significant values hemicellulose was recorded (20.85%) with (Giza 123), celluloses was recorded (12.63%) with (Giza 126) compared several cultivator Green fodder barley species. however, significant increased NDF-cell soluble was recorded (80.88) with (Giza 130). The parameters of nutritive values are predication from chemical composition observed significant increase of DCP between seed barley and several cultivator Green fodder barleys except Giza (129) and (130). The highest result values of DCP cultivator Green fodder barley was recorded with (Giza127) the value increase from7.67% in seed to 8.44%in sprouting. The DDM and DMI were significantly decrease in all several cultivator Green fodder barleys compared with seed barley. Also, several cultivator Green fodder barley productions observed significantly decreased of TDN in all strains compared with its seeds. The parameters of energy values are predication from chemical composition of Egyptian barley for seed (

Annals of Agric. Sci., Moshtohor, 2018

A field experiment was conducted during the two successive seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 at ... more A field experiment was conducted during the two successive seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 at Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Agricultural Research Centre, Dokki, Giza governorate, Egypt to study the effect of two green bean cultivars (Paulista and Samantha) and three rates of rock phosphate (fine and granules) as a natural resource of P mixed with sand substrate in comparison with calcium superphosphate with recommended level on growth and yield of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under plastic house conditions. Regarding the green bean cultivars, Paulista gave higher plant height, number of leaves, canopy and root fresh and dry weight than Samantha cultivar. Paulista cultivar produced the highest values of total pod yield per plant during the two successive seasons. Increasing phosphorus level (fine or granule rock phosphate) up to 150% enhanced pod yield with both used cultivars. The highest vegetative growth and yield were obtained from 150% fine rock phosphate combined with Paulista cultivar. Tissue nutrient analysis show that increase phosphorus level by rock phosphate source led to increase nutrient percentage for NPK in green beans leaves in comparison with recommended phosphorus dose applied as calcium superphosphate. The economic consideration among phosphorus and different P sources revealed that fine rock phosphate with Paulista cultivar gave the highest net income per greenhouse.

Middle East Journal of Agriculture Research, 2018

The Egyptian state moves forward to increase the cultivation area of greenhouse under the water a... more The Egyptian state moves forward to increase the cultivation area of greenhouse under the water and available agricultural soil shortages and climate change impacts to increase the horticultural production. The use of substrate culture as a soilless culture technique especially when using the available local materials such as gravel could play a role in improving the snap bean yield under Egyptian conditions. The current investigation was carried out at Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Giza, Egypt under the unheated double span plastic house during the two successive autumn seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. The study aimed at sustainably produce the snap bean in container system of gravel culture investigating the effect of plant density on the vegetative growth and pod yield through different plant distances 20, 30 and 40 cm in between snap bean plants combined with 1 and 2 rows for container beside determining the effect of vermicompost in different proportions 20 and 30 % as substrate amendment mixed with gravel in open container system. Snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. Alhamma was cultivated in both two seasons in a split-split plot design with three replicates. The obtained results indicated that the using of vermicompost as a substrate amendment mixed with gravel and lower density of plants / m 2 had a significant positive effect on vegetative growth characteristics and yield components of snap bean. Increasing the in-row plant distance from 20 to 40 cm and vermicompost rate from 20 to 30 % while decreasing the No. of rows/container from 2 to 1 led to increasing the vegetative growth characteristics (plant fresh weight (g), Dry weight (g), No. of shoot/plant and total chlorophyll content (Spad) and yield parameters (No. of pods/plant and total pod/plant) of snap bean while oppositely decreasing the total yield per square meter. 1 row/container gave the higher yield per plant in contrast with the treatment of 2 rows/container recorded the higher yield per square meter. The same trend obtained in the nutrients contents of N, P and K (%).The interaction treatment 1 row/container, Vermi. 30 % and 40 cm in-row plant distance recorded the highest vegetative growth characteristics and total yield per plant. Otherwise, the highest total yield per m 2 achieved by the interaction treatment 2 rows/container, Vermi. 30 % and in-row plant distance 30 cm (plant density 6.6 plant / m 2). The study supported the sustainable production of snap bean under greenhouse condition in gravel substrate culture. The promotion of substrate culture and vermicomposting technique under the soil and water shortages and climate change condition can help food security to increase the vegetables production and mitigating greenhouse gases (GHG's) emission.

Celery plants were grown in ten liter black plastic containers filled with sand substrate then mi... more Celery plants were grown in ten liter black plastic containers filled with sand substrate then mixed with three levels of aqua gel-polymer. Three levels of irrigation water were applied by using drip irrigation for each aquagel-polymer treatment. The experiment was carried out at the Protected Cultivation Experimental Farm in Dokki, Giza, Egypt to determine celery growth and yield under different studied treatments. Various levels of aquagel-polymer as well as irrigation water levels were applied in a factorial design with three replicates. Plant samples were collected six weeks after transplanting in order to analyze nutrient concentration. The results showed that plant height, number of leaves per plant, and dry weight were increased with rising irrigation water levels. The smallest celery yields were obtained in the lowest irrigation level at 50%. Control treatment (without aquagel-polymer) gave the lowest vegetative characters and yield during the two seasons. During both studied seasons, the highest vegetative characters and yields were obtained by applying 100% irrigation level combined with 2% of aquagel-polymer, followed by 100% irrigation level combined with 1% of gel-polymer. Water Use Efficiency (WUE) decreased with increasing irrigation levels. Meanwhile, using 2% of aquagel-polymer gave the highest WUE during both seasons. The plant analysis revealed that using aquagel-polymer led to an increase of nutrient content in celery leaf compared to the control treatment.

Urban horticulture has become one of the most important constitute actions to address poverty and... more Urban horticulture has become one of the most important constitute actions to address poverty and fight against hunger, especially in the mega cities like Cairo, which suffering from limited availability of agricultural land as well as used in mitigating greenhouse gases (GHG's) and climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. The use of green roof technique via soilless culture systems and vermicomposting improve the efficiency of urban horticulture under the expected climate change conditions. The study was carried out during two successive winter seasons of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 under green roof system condition at the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt. The study aimed to optimize the use of local substrates (sand and rice husk) and provide vermicomposting technique for recycling the urban organic wastes through investigate different vermicompost rates (10, 20 and 30%) as a substrate amendment mixed with sand: rice husk (1:1 V/V) compared to peat moss : perlite (1:1 V/V) (control) combined with three different volume of pots (4, 6, and 8 L) on vegetative growth, yield and quality of celery and red cabbage. Physical and chemical properties of substrates, vegetative growth, yield characteristics and N, P and K contents of celery and red cabbage were determined. The physical and chemical properties of different substrate mixtures were affected by vermicompost implement rate. The obtained results indicated that increasing pot volume from 4 to 8 L of substrate led to increase the vegetative and yield of celery and red cabbage in reverse to the economic efficiency. The medium pot volume of substrate gave the highest economic yield of celery and red cabbage compared to the other volumes. Increasing the rate of vermicompost from 10 to 20% led to increase the vegetative and yield characteristics of celery and red cabbage while increasing up to 30% had a negative impact. Increasing the vermicompost rate from 10 to 30% led to increase the N, P and K contents of celery and red cabbage compared to the control treatment while increasing the pot volume from 4 to 8 L/plant decreased N, P and K contents of celery and red cabbage. The best vegetative growth and yield of celery were given by using sand + rice husk + vermicompost (40: 40: 20 V/V) in pot volume 8 L for producing more healthy, economically and environmentally food. The economic results had a different view point, pot volume 4 L/plant combined with vermicompost rate 10% followed in ascending order by 20% and pot volume 8 L/ plant combined with vermicompost rate 10% followed by 20% for celery and red cabbage, respectively. While the lowest economic use was given by 8 L/plant combined with peat + perlite substrate (control) in both of celery and red cabbage.

Sustainable horticulture production, recycling organic wastes, mitigate climate change impacts an... more Sustainable horticulture production, recycling organic wastes, mitigate climate change impacts and greenhouse gas emission and save natural resources under urban and rural areas are a serious issues need to create new strategies. Rooftop garden and vermicomposting technologies performed an integrated strategy to share in achieving resilience city. The study was conducted out during two successive winter seasons (2015 and 2016) under urban conditions at Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Giza, Egypt. The study investigated the use and the effect of vermicompost as an amendable substrate in different proportions (10 and 20% V/V) with sand: peat moss (1:1 V/V) and sand combined with two nutrient solution sources (chemical nutrient solution and vermi-liquid) with two EC levels (1 and 1.5 dS m-1) on lettuce yield under urban condition. Iceberg lettuce type cv. Robinson F1 hybrid was cultivated in split split plot design with three replicates. The study aimed to alternate or minimize the use of peat moss by vermicompost and chemical fertilizers by organic source via vermi-liquid to provide more sustainable production and mitigate climate change impacts via converting urban organic wastes through vermicomposting technology into vermicompost and vermi-liquid. Results revealed that using vermicompost as a substrate amendment combined with different substrates had a significant effect on lettuce yield through enhancing the physical and chemical properties of substrate and support plant nutrition. The use of chemical nutrient solution + EC level 1.5 dS m-1 + substrate sand: peat moss: vermicompost ((40: 40: 20% V/V) for producing the highest yield of lettuce under the investigation conditions. While for environmentally and safety, vermi-liquid + Ec level 1.5 dSm-1 + substrate sand: peat moss: vermicompost (40: 40: 20% V/V) was recommended. The study supported the micro and small scale urban farm to match the food security and safety needs via using vermicomposting outputs and simple substrate culture in top roof garden technique. Recycling urban organic wastes and mitigating greenhouse gases (GHG's) emission as well as sustainable food production need more efficient efforts and real contribution. Ecology food could be sustained under urban condition.

Two experiments were conducted during summer and autumn seasons of 2013 and 2014 at the Central L... more Two experiments were conducted during summer and autumn seasons of 2013 and 2014 at the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Egypt. The first experiment was carried out during the summer seasons of 2013 and 2014 to investigate the composting effect on different organic agricultural wastes such as olive cake, rice straw and horse manure. Four different proportions of olive cake were applied 0, 10, 20 and 30% mixed with rice straw 50 % and horse manure 50, 40, 30 and 20 % respectively then four different compost treatments were tested in the current study 10 % of olive cake + 50% rice straw + 40% horse manure (C1), 20 % of olive cake + 50% rice straw + 30% horse manure (C2), 30 % of olive cake + 50% rice straw + 20% horse manure (C3) and 0 % of olive cake + 50% rice straw + 50% horse manure (C4). The physiochemical properties of different compost mixtures were estimated before and after composting process (bulk density, C/N ratio, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nutrients content, etc.). The obtained results indicated that the percentages of organic carbon and organic matter in different compost piles were decreased compared to their values in raw materials for each pile. The highest EC value (2.78 dS/m) recorded by C1 treatment. While the lowest C/N ratio 10.44:1 obtained by C4 treatment. On the other hand, the total phenols in compost samples of C1, C2 and C3 were decreased compared to the initial concentration in the raw materials of olive cake. An open field experiment was conducted out during autumn seasons of 2013 and 2014 to study the use of different studied composts as a substrate amendments in sand culture in constant proportion of sand 80% + compost 20 % as followed: sand + compost C1 (S1), sand + compost C2 (S2), sand + compost C3 (S3) and sand + compost C4 (S4) compared to sand + commercial compost (S5) for producing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Iceberg). This study aimed to improve the sand substrate as well as evaluate the effect of different compost types on lettuce yield. The results showed that, S5 gave the highest values of fresh, dry weight and nitrogen content (1250.5, 65.3 g/ plant and 5.26 %, respectively) flowed by S1 (1005.7, 60.3 g/ plant and 4.65 %, respectively). While the lowest values (743.0, 44.6 g/ plant and 3.30 %, respectively) were obtained by S3 treatment. In addition increasing olive cake ratio more than 10% to compost pile tended to decrease vegetative growth of lettuce plant, this trend was true with two successive seasons. Generally, the lettuce yield, chlorophyll and some macronutrients content (N and K) as were affected by composted agriculture wastes (C1, C2, C3 and C4) mixed with sand culture as a substrate were arranged in the descending order, C1> C4> C2> C3.While there were no significant differences between all treatments on head firmness and the content of P and Ca in lettuce plant.

The experiment was conducted under net house in modern intensive hydroponic system and replicated... more The experiment was conducted under net house in modern intensive hydroponic system and replicated Three times at January, February and March 2014 in the experimental site

Field experiment was conducted during two successive autumn seasons of 2010/2011 and 201112012 at... more Field experiment was conducted during two successive autumn
seasons of 2010/2011 and 201112012 at El-Bossily Farm, Behira Governorate in the North Coastal of Egypt to utilize and investigate The effect of different sources of compost (vermicompost of cattle manure + vegetable and fruit wastes + shredded newspaper, faba bean compost, rice compost and cattle manure) combined with different compost rates 2, 4 and 6 m3 per standard greenhouse (540 m2 ) on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. vs. Safa 62 F1) growth and yield under
unheated single span plastic house. Data revealed that using
vermicompost recorded the highest values of vegetative growth, yield
and number of fruits per plant followed by using cattle manure
compost during the two successive seasons. The lowest total yield was
obtained by using rice straw compost during the two tested seasons.
Increasing compost rate up to 6 m3 per greenhouse enhanced plant
growth, number of fruits and total yields under different compost
sources. The reuse of agricultural residues and organic urban wastes in
composting and vermicomposting as raw materials instead of burning
to produce organic fertilizers led to sequestrate CO2 in the soil by 340,
398, 463 and 286 kg/tone and conserve nitrogen fertilizer by 17.1,
13.0, 9.8 and 16.9 kg/tone of vermicompost, faba bean compost, rice
compost and cattle manure respectively

The increase demands for food security, the expected future of climate change impacts, environmen... more The increase demands for food security, the expected future of climate change impacts, environmental concerns, water shortage and the need for recycling different organic wastes and mitigate their CO2 emission were the driving forces for developing the use of vermicomposting outputs and ecology soilless culture. Two experiments were carried out during autumn seasons of 2011, 2012 and 2013 at Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Giza, Egypt under net house. First study investigated the ability of vermicomposting outputs as substrate and organic nutrient solution. Vermicompost mixed with perlite, vermiculite and sand (30: 70 % v/v) compared to peat moss + perlite (50: 50 % v/v) combined with different sources of nutrient solutions (vermi-tea, vermi-liquid and chemical solution) on the yield of lettuce. Study the effect of vermicompost mixed with perlite in different proportions of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 (v/v) compared to peat moss: perlite combined with different sources of nutrient solution (vermi-tea, compost-tea and chemical) on lettuce yield take a place in second study.Iceberg lettuce type cv. Robinson F1 hybrid was cultivated in both two experiments in split plot design with three replicates.
Data revealed that using vermicompost as a substrate combined with different substrates recorded the highest values of the physical properties of head lettuce during the two successive seasons compared to peat moss + perlite. Vermicompost + sand followed by vermicompost + perlite recorded the highest results of the physical properties of head lettuce. Otherwise, obtained results of the second experiment illustrated that increasing the vermicompost rate decreased the physical properties of head lettuce. The proportion of vermicompost + perlite (1: 3 v/v) gave the highest records of the physical properties of head lettuce compared to the control. The vermi-liquid and vermi-tea gave positive effects on the physical properties of head lettuce in the first and second study respectively. The chemical nutrient solution recorded the highest N (%) content in both experiments.
The study supported the use of vermicompost and vermi-liquid instead of peat moss and chemical nutrient solution in ecology soilless production of lettuce plants. The vermicomposting could be used for recycling the organic urban wastes to produce input materials of soilless, green roof and ecology culture besides mitigating greenhouse gases (GHG's) emission.

The need for recycling organic wastes should be one of the priorities of urban as well as rural r... more The need for recycling organic wastes should be one of the priorities of urban as well as rural regions under the climate change impacts to minimize the consumption of natural sources. Two studies were conducted out during two successive winter seasons at the Central Laboratory for
Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Giza, Egypt. The first study (2011/2012 and 2012/2013) was to investigate the effect of vermicompost as an alternative organic substrate mixed with different mineral substrate perlite, vermiculite and sand (20 : 80% v/v) compared to peat moss + perlite (50 : 50% v/v) combined with different sources of nutrient solutions (vermicompost-tea, composttea and chemical) on the growth and yield of strawberry. Improving the physical and chemical
properties of substrates (Sand and perlite) by vermicompost investigated in the second study (2012/2013 and 2013/2014) by mixing vermicompost with sand and perlite instead of peat moss in different proportions of 15:85, 30:70 and 45:55%(v/v) respectively compared to sand 100% and perlite 100%. Strawberry cv., Sweet charley and Festival F1 hybrid were cultivated under unheated plastic house and low tunnels in the first and second experiments respectively.
The obtained data of the first study revealed that chemical nutrient solution recorded the highest values of vegetative, yield (337 and 359 g/plant) and quality characteristics of strawberry, while using vermicompost as a substrate mix combined with different substrates had a positive significant
effect compared to control. Vermicompost + sand followed by vermicompost + vermiculite recorded the highest results of vegetative, yield (327 and 356 - 329 and 346 g/plant) respectively and quality characteristics of strawberry.
The second experiment illustrated that increasing the vermicompost rate had a negative significant impacts on growth and yield of strawberry. In general the substrate mixture of vermicompost + sand (15: 85%) gave the highest growth, yield (552 and 585 g/plant), quality and chemical contents. Also, vermicompost with sand mixtures generally recorded the highest yield compared to the vermicompost with perlite mixtures.

The availability of fodder is subject to decrease due to climate change impacts on crops producti... more The availability of fodder is subject to decrease due to climate change impacts on crops productivity, and higher competition for land and water resources between fodder and cereal crops under expected risks of climate change on Egypt. Two experiments were carried out during 2012 at Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, Egypt. Barely (Hordeum vulgare L.), cv. Giza 21 was used in this study. The study aimed to investigate the different densities of barely seeds (0.5, 1 and 1.5 cm) on the forge production per m2 in complete randomized blocks design at the first trail. While in the second trail, to compare the hydroponic forage production between the net house system (net + fog cooling) and control cooling room (Air condition) in a factorial design. Vegetative and root characteristics were measured at first study and quality properties were taken in consider at, on the second study beside vegetative and root characteristics.
The mentioned results indicated that increasing the barely seed density from 0.5 to 1.5 cm led to increase the total sprout, shoot and root of both fresh and dry weight (Kg/m2), shoot height, root length and barely seed temperature while decreasing the dry matter content of barely seed as a result of germination and increasing of barely seed temperature.
The sprouting of barely under net house system recorded the highest values of physical characteristics and chemical analysis compared to sprouting under control cooling room. The economic factor is considered when comparing the high cost of control cooling room and energy needs with the net system.
The use, environmental and economic efficiencies of using and operating hydroponic green forage tended strongly to favor the density barely seed of 1.5 cm (10 Kg/m2) under the net house system to give the highest results.

Keywords: Green forage, feeder, barely, hydroponic culture, intensive culture, net house, cooling room and climate change.

Asian Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences, 2021

Sweet Marjoram is considered as one of the important herbal plants, grown in many countries for m... more Sweet Marjoram is considered as one of the important herbal plants, grown in many countries for medical and nutritional purposes and is an abundant source of valuable biologically active substances and mineral components. An experiment has been carried out on sweet marjoram at the experimental site of Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Research Center, Ministry of Agriculutre and land reclamation, Egypt under a net duble span house, during seasons of 2019and 2020. The experiment was carried out to study the effect of different nutrient solution sources and verimicompost rates on production of Sweet Marjoram grown in sand culture. In this experiment, Three sources of nutrient solution were under investigation (chemical nutrient solution "CN. S." as a control treatment, vermi-liquid "V. L." and mixture of chemical nutrient solution andvermi-liquid (50%:50%) "CN.S.+V.L."), also, five rates of vermicompost have been added to sand culture(zero% of vermicompost "V.C. 0%"as a control treatment, 10% Vermicompost "V.C. 10%", 20% Vermicompost "V.C. 20%", 30% Vermicompost "V.C. 30%"and 40% Vermicompost "V.C. 40%").Regarding the effect of nutrient solution source; results illustrated that chemical nutrient solution recorded the highest values for vegetative growth, yield and chemical measurments. also data clearfied that the mixture of chemical nutrient solution and vermi-liquid (50%:50%) "CN.S.+V.L." recorded a promising results very close to the chemical nutrient solution and more healther; because the amount of chemicals used in this nutrient solution have been reduced into the half amount only comparison with chemical nutrient solution. For that, the mixture of chemical nutrient solution and vermi-liquid (50%:50%) could be considered as the most suitable nutrient solution for sweet marjoram. Concerning the effect of different vermicompost rates, results showed that adding vermicompost rate by 30% to sand culture recorded the highest values for plant height, number of branches /plant, Fresh and dry weights of the aerial parts /plant, yields of the fresh and dry herb/ m 2 , yield of aromatic oil/ m 2 (V.C. 40% recorded higher values for yield of the aromatic oil/m 2 than V.C. 30% but the difference between both of them was not significant), and N,P,K% in leaves.

International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2021

Aims: Sensing, monitoring and control the micro-climate measurements and environmental conditions... more Aims: Sensing, monitoring and control the micro-climate measurements and environmental conditions of greenhouse prototype to create a smart hydroponic greenhouse for maximizing the food production as well as minimizing the ecological footprint under the climate change impacts, Coved 19 crisis, and natural resources shortages. Study Design: Factorial with 3 replicates. Place and Duration of Study: Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Research Center, Egypt during 2020. Methodology: Two systems of hydroponic culture, nutrient film technique (NFT) and deep flow technique (DFT) that cultivated by lettuce plants were established under greenhouse (polycarbonate) prototype (0.8 * 1.2 * 0.6 m) designed with artificial grown light and cooling system. Based on Arduino Mega 2560 that programmed via the Arduino IDE program, different sensors and actuators were used to establishing the smart greenhouse. Internet of things (IoT) via Node MCU ESP 8266 that programmed to transmitted the data every 30 min. to the internet web google platform (Firebase) for presenting the real-time records and hosting the data. Vegetative characteristics; yield parameters and N, P, and K contents of lettuce plants were measured. Results: the smart greenhouse worked according to the programming of Arduino Mega and Node

International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2021

Aims: Assess The sustainable production of tomato and cucumber under greenhouse conditions for me... more Aims: Assess The sustainable production of tomato and cucumber under greenhouse conditions for meeting the challenges of natural resources shortage, food security and economic. Study Design: Two experiments performed in complete randomized blocks with three replicates. Place and Duration of Study: Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Research Center, Egypt, during two autumn seasons of 2018 and 2019 (tomato) and two spring seasons of 2019 and 2020 (cucumber). Methodology: Different soilless culture systems for producing tomato and cucumber under greenhouse were investigated: Hydroponic systems (Nutrient film technique (NFT) and deep flow technique (DFT)); and substrate systems (Dutch bucket, pot, container, and horizontal bag). Vegetative characteristics, yield parameters, N, P, and K contents, and environmental impact assessment were measured. Results: Substrate systems gave the highest vegetative growth characteristics, yield parameters, N, P and K contents of tomato and cucumber leaves, as well as the highest power use efficiencies compared to hydroponic systems. Container and bags systems gave the highest results of tomato and cucumber vegetative growth, respectively, but the highest yield and net profits records

Egyptian Journal of Horticulture, 2020

This study was conducted at Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Resear... more This study was conducted at Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt during two successive seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 under open field urban conditions. The study investigated the effect of using as
well as the efficiency of different soilless culture techniques including substrate culture systems; container, pots and horizontal bags beside two systems of nutrient film technique (NFT); vertical A shape and flat in a close system on vegetative growth and production of strawberry plants grown under open field conditions in urban area. Standard substrate used in all systems was peat moss: perlite (1:1 v/v). Planting densities differed regarding each used soilless system specifications.
Illustrated that, used substrate systems gave the highest vegetative growth characteristics, yield parameters, N, P and K contents of strawberry leaves as well as the highest water and power use efficiencies compared to NFT systems. The ecology sustainable agriculture of strawberry under urban conditions could achieved by implement substrate culture in general.
Amongst substrate culture systems container system recorded the highest vegetative growth characteristics but the highest yield was attained by bags system . All substrate systems had the highest values of N, P and K contents of strawberry leaves compared to NFT systems. The study recommended that bags substrate system which recorded the highest yield per m2 (average 15.2 kg/m2), average PUE (2.4 kg/kw) and WUE (43.7 kg/m3) with an economic value followed by container system under urban conditions could be used for producing strawberry sustainably and ecologically.

Acta agriculturae Slovenica, 2020

Field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of the Central Laboratory for Agricultura... more Field experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, during two successive seasons of 2017 and 2018. This experiment aims to improve the organic production of sweet corn via some organic extracts under different sowing dates. The seeds of sweet corn (Misthi F1 Hybrid) were planted on three different dates on 15 April, 10 May and 5 June in both seasons. Extracts of compost, vermi-compost and chicken manure with applying half dose of compost were compared to full dose of compost. Results showed that early sowing had positive effect on growth, yield and ear properties of sweet corn. Applying half dose of compost with adding vermicompost extract gave the highest growth, yield and ear properties of sweet corn without significant differences compared to 50 % compost + chicken manure extract treatment in plant height and leaves number per plant. The treatments of the half dose of compost with adding any organic extracts were superior to the full dose of compost in all studied traits. This study revealed that early planting (April 15) with applying a half dose of compost + vermicompost extract produced the highest yield and quality of sweet corn ears. Učinki datuma setve in izvlečkov nekaterih organskih gnojil na pridelek sladke koruze Izvleček: Poljski poskus je bil izveden na poskusni postaji Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, v rastnih sezonah 2017 in 2018. Na-men poskusa je bil izboljšati ekološko pridelavo sladke koruze z izvlečki nekaterih organskih gnojil in različnimi datumi setve. Semena sladke koruze so bila v obeh rastnih sezonah poseja-na v treh različnih terminih, 15. aprila, 10. maja in 5, junija. Učinki izvlečkov komposta, vermikomposta in kokošjega gnoja s polovičnim dodatkom komposta so bili primerjani z obravna-vanjem s polnim dodatkom komposta. Rezulatati so pokazali, da je imela zgodnja setev pozitivne učinke na rast, pridelek in lastnosti storžev sladke koruze. Uporaba polovičnega odmerka komposta z dodatkom vermikomposta je dala najboljšo rast, največji pridelek in najboljše lastnosti storžev sladke koruze brez značilnih razlik v primerjavi z obravnavanjem s 50 % komposta in izvlečkom kokošjega gnoja glede na višino rast-lin in število listov na rastlino. Obravnavanja s polovičnim od-merkom komposta so bila boljša kot tista s polnim odmerkom komposta v vseh preučevanih lastnostih. V raziskavi je bilo ugotovljeno, da je bil dosežen največji pridelek in dosežene najboljše lastnosti storžev sladke koruze pri zgodnji setvi (15. april) in uporabi polovičnega odmerka komposta z dodatkom izvlečka vermikomposta. Ključne besede: sladka koruza; datum setve; izvleček komposta; izvleček vermikomposta; izvlečki gnojil Acta agriculturae Slovenica, 116/1-2020 12 S. ABOUL-EL-HASSAN et al.

Egyptian Journal of Soil Science , 2020

T WO FIELD experiments were conducted at the experimental farm of the Central Laboratory for Agri... more T WO FIELD experiments were conducted at the experimental farm of the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, during 2017 and 2018 seasons, toevaluatethe effects of compost and organic extracts on growth and yield of sweet corn (Misthi F1 Hybrid)and microbial populations in rhizosphere. Extracts of compost, vermicompost and chicken manure with adding half dose of compost were compared to full dose of compost and mineral fertilizers. The populations of total bacteria, fungi and phosphate solublizing bacteria were estimated. Results showed that applying half dose of compost with adding vermin compost (50% C + VEx) extract gave the highest growth, yield and ear properties of sweet corn without any significant differences compared to mineral fertilizer treatment. Applying half dose of compost with adding extract of compost or chicken manure decreased growth, yield and ear properties of sweet corn compared to mineral fertilizer. 50% C + ChEx recorded the highest total bacterial counts. The treatments of half dose of compost with adding any organic extracts were superior to full dose of compost (100% C) in all studied traits. This study revealed the possibility of using half dose of compost with adding vermicompost extract for producing satisfactory yield quantity with high quality of sweet corn ears.

Bioscience Research, 2019

EVOLUTION OF SOME EGYPTIAN STRAINS BARLEY CULTIVATORS FOR GREEN FODDER HYDROPONIC SYSTEM AND PREDICTION DIGESTIBILITY VALUES BY IN-VITRO DAISYII INCUBATOR, 2018

he hydroponic under Egyptian condition take more attention in the last decade. The experiment was... more he hydroponic under Egyptian condition take more attention in the last decade. The experiment was conducted under net house in intensive hydroponic system and replicated three times during January and February 2017. The study was done to evaluate vegetative characteristics and quality properties of produced sprouting of six barley cultivars (Giza123,126,127,128,129 and130). The results observed that the sprouting can be produce in 8 days from planting to harvest using hydroponic technique under the net house conditions. The Highest green barley fodder was recorded with Giza 127 followed by 129 which gave 6.98, 6.83 Kg, respectively compared with other strain. The results indicated that the highest value of fresh sprout: seeds weight ratio was recorded significantly by Giza 127 followed by Giza 129 compared to the other four cultivars. The crude protein values in several green fodder barley species significant (P<0.05) increase (the range from 11.56 to 13.45%) compared with its grains (the range from 9.58 to 12.60%). The highest values CP% in green fodder barley recorded with (Giza 127) was (13.45% on DM basis). There were a significantly (P<0.05) increase for CF% between green fodder barley species (the range from 9.93 to 14.36) in 8-days sprouting compared with the several original barley grains (the range from 5.67 to 8.85%). Also, the EE were significant increased except (Giza 129 and Giza 130) were decreased. The highest significant values NDF was recorded (37.47%) with (Giza 123) compared several cultivator Green fodder barley species, but ADF was recorded (17.93) with (Giza 127). The highest significant values ADF and acid insoluble ash were recorded (5.91 and 1.78) with (Giza 130) compared several cultivator Green fodder barley species. The highest significant values hemicellulose was recorded (20.85%) with (Giza 123), celluloses was recorded (12.63%) with (Giza 126) compared several cultivator Green fodder barley species. however, significant increased NDF-cell soluble was recorded (80.88) with (Giza 130). The parameters of nutritive values are predication from chemical composition observed significant increase of DCP between seed barley and several cultivator Green fodder barleys except Giza (129) and (130). The highest result values of DCP cultivator Green fodder barley was recorded with (Giza127) the value increase from7.67% in seed to 8.44%in sprouting. The DDM and DMI were significantly decrease in all several cultivator Green fodder barleys compared with seed barley. Also, several cultivator Green fodder barley productions observed significantly decreased of TDN in all strains compared with its seeds. The parameters of energy values are predication from chemical composition of Egyptian barley for seed (

Annals of Agric. Sci., Moshtohor, 2018

A field experiment was conducted during the two successive seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 at ... more A field experiment was conducted during the two successive seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 at Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Agricultural Research Centre, Dokki, Giza governorate, Egypt to study the effect of two green bean cultivars (Paulista and Samantha) and three rates of rock phosphate (fine and granules) as a natural resource of P mixed with sand substrate in comparison with calcium superphosphate with recommended level on growth and yield of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under plastic house conditions. Regarding the green bean cultivars, Paulista gave higher plant height, number of leaves, canopy and root fresh and dry weight than Samantha cultivar. Paulista cultivar produced the highest values of total pod yield per plant during the two successive seasons. Increasing phosphorus level (fine or granule rock phosphate) up to 150% enhanced pod yield with both used cultivars. The highest vegetative growth and yield were obtained from 150% fine rock phosphate combined with Paulista cultivar. Tissue nutrient analysis show that increase phosphorus level by rock phosphate source led to increase nutrient percentage for NPK in green beans leaves in comparison with recommended phosphorus dose applied as calcium superphosphate. The economic consideration among phosphorus and different P sources revealed that fine rock phosphate with Paulista cultivar gave the highest net income per greenhouse.

Middle East Journal of Agriculture Research, 2018

The Egyptian state moves forward to increase the cultivation area of greenhouse under the water a... more The Egyptian state moves forward to increase the cultivation area of greenhouse under the water and available agricultural soil shortages and climate change impacts to increase the horticultural production. The use of substrate culture as a soilless culture technique especially when using the available local materials such as gravel could play a role in improving the snap bean yield under Egyptian conditions. The current investigation was carried out at Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Giza, Egypt under the unheated double span plastic house during the two successive autumn seasons of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. The study aimed at sustainably produce the snap bean in container system of gravel culture investigating the effect of plant density on the vegetative growth and pod yield through different plant distances 20, 30 and 40 cm in between snap bean plants combined with 1 and 2 rows for container beside determining the effect of vermicompost in different proportions 20 and 30 % as substrate amendment mixed with gravel in open container system. Snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. Alhamma was cultivated in both two seasons in a split-split plot design with three replicates. The obtained results indicated that the using of vermicompost as a substrate amendment mixed with gravel and lower density of plants / m 2 had a significant positive effect on vegetative growth characteristics and yield components of snap bean. Increasing the in-row plant distance from 20 to 40 cm and vermicompost rate from 20 to 30 % while decreasing the No. of rows/container from 2 to 1 led to increasing the vegetative growth characteristics (plant fresh weight (g), Dry weight (g), No. of shoot/plant and total chlorophyll content (Spad) and yield parameters (No. of pods/plant and total pod/plant) of snap bean while oppositely decreasing the total yield per square meter. 1 row/container gave the higher yield per plant in contrast with the treatment of 2 rows/container recorded the higher yield per square meter. The same trend obtained in the nutrients contents of N, P and K (%).The interaction treatment 1 row/container, Vermi. 30 % and 40 cm in-row plant distance recorded the highest vegetative growth characteristics and total yield per plant. Otherwise, the highest total yield per m 2 achieved by the interaction treatment 2 rows/container, Vermi. 30 % and in-row plant distance 30 cm (plant density 6.6 plant / m 2). The study supported the sustainable production of snap bean under greenhouse condition in gravel substrate culture. The promotion of substrate culture and vermicomposting technique under the soil and water shortages and climate change condition can help food security to increase the vegetables production and mitigating greenhouse gases (GHG's) emission.

Celery plants were grown in ten liter black plastic containers filled with sand substrate then mi... more Celery plants were grown in ten liter black plastic containers filled with sand substrate then mixed with three levels of aqua gel-polymer. Three levels of irrigation water were applied by using drip irrigation for each aquagel-polymer treatment. The experiment was carried out at the Protected Cultivation Experimental Farm in Dokki, Giza, Egypt to determine celery growth and yield under different studied treatments. Various levels of aquagel-polymer as well as irrigation water levels were applied in a factorial design with three replicates. Plant samples were collected six weeks after transplanting in order to analyze nutrient concentration. The results showed that plant height, number of leaves per plant, and dry weight were increased with rising irrigation water levels. The smallest celery yields were obtained in the lowest irrigation level at 50%. Control treatment (without aquagel-polymer) gave the lowest vegetative characters and yield during the two seasons. During both studied seasons, the highest vegetative characters and yields were obtained by applying 100% irrigation level combined with 2% of aquagel-polymer, followed by 100% irrigation level combined with 1% of gel-polymer. Water Use Efficiency (WUE) decreased with increasing irrigation levels. Meanwhile, using 2% of aquagel-polymer gave the highest WUE during both seasons. The plant analysis revealed that using aquagel-polymer led to an increase of nutrient content in celery leaf compared to the control treatment.

Urban horticulture has become one of the most important constitute actions to address poverty and... more Urban horticulture has become one of the most important constitute actions to address poverty and fight against hunger, especially in the mega cities like Cairo, which suffering from limited availability of agricultural land as well as used in mitigating greenhouse gases (GHG's) and climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. The use of green roof technique via soilless culture systems and vermicomposting improve the efficiency of urban horticulture under the expected climate change conditions. The study was carried out during two successive winter seasons of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 under green roof system condition at the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt. The study aimed to optimize the use of local substrates (sand and rice husk) and provide vermicomposting technique for recycling the urban organic wastes through investigate different vermicompost rates (10, 20 and 30%) as a substrate amendment mixed with sand: rice husk (1:1 V/V) compared to peat moss : perlite (1:1 V/V) (control) combined with three different volume of pots (4, 6, and 8 L) on vegetative growth, yield and quality of celery and red cabbage. Physical and chemical properties of substrates, vegetative growth, yield characteristics and N, P and K contents of celery and red cabbage were determined. The physical and chemical properties of different substrate mixtures were affected by vermicompost implement rate. The obtained results indicated that increasing pot volume from 4 to 8 L of substrate led to increase the vegetative and yield of celery and red cabbage in reverse to the economic efficiency. The medium pot volume of substrate gave the highest economic yield of celery and red cabbage compared to the other volumes. Increasing the rate of vermicompost from 10 to 20% led to increase the vegetative and yield characteristics of celery and red cabbage while increasing up to 30% had a negative impact. Increasing the vermicompost rate from 10 to 30% led to increase the N, P and K contents of celery and red cabbage compared to the control treatment while increasing the pot volume from 4 to 8 L/plant decreased N, P and K contents of celery and red cabbage. The best vegetative growth and yield of celery were given by using sand + rice husk + vermicompost (40: 40: 20 V/V) in pot volume 8 L for producing more healthy, economically and environmentally food. The economic results had a different view point, pot volume 4 L/plant combined with vermicompost rate 10% followed in ascending order by 20% and pot volume 8 L/ plant combined with vermicompost rate 10% followed by 20% for celery and red cabbage, respectively. While the lowest economic use was given by 8 L/plant combined with peat + perlite substrate (control) in both of celery and red cabbage.

Sustainable horticulture production, recycling organic wastes, mitigate climate change impacts an... more Sustainable horticulture production, recycling organic wastes, mitigate climate change impacts and greenhouse gas emission and save natural resources under urban and rural areas are a serious issues need to create new strategies. Rooftop garden and vermicomposting technologies performed an integrated strategy to share in achieving resilience city. The study was conducted out during two successive winter seasons (2015 and 2016) under urban conditions at Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Giza, Egypt. The study investigated the use and the effect of vermicompost as an amendable substrate in different proportions (10 and 20% V/V) with sand: peat moss (1:1 V/V) and sand combined with two nutrient solution sources (chemical nutrient solution and vermi-liquid) with two EC levels (1 and 1.5 dS m-1) on lettuce yield under urban condition. Iceberg lettuce type cv. Robinson F1 hybrid was cultivated in split split plot design with three replicates. The study aimed to alternate or minimize the use of peat moss by vermicompost and chemical fertilizers by organic source via vermi-liquid to provide more sustainable production and mitigate climate change impacts via converting urban organic wastes through vermicomposting technology into vermicompost and vermi-liquid. Results revealed that using vermicompost as a substrate amendment combined with different substrates had a significant effect on lettuce yield through enhancing the physical and chemical properties of substrate and support plant nutrition. The use of chemical nutrient solution + EC level 1.5 dS m-1 + substrate sand: peat moss: vermicompost ((40: 40: 20% V/V) for producing the highest yield of lettuce under the investigation conditions. While for environmentally and safety, vermi-liquid + Ec level 1.5 dSm-1 + substrate sand: peat moss: vermicompost (40: 40: 20% V/V) was recommended. The study supported the micro and small scale urban farm to match the food security and safety needs via using vermicomposting outputs and simple substrate culture in top roof garden technique. Recycling urban organic wastes and mitigating greenhouse gases (GHG's) emission as well as sustainable food production need more efficient efforts and real contribution. Ecology food could be sustained under urban condition.

Two experiments were conducted during summer and autumn seasons of 2013 and 2014 at the Central L... more Two experiments were conducted during summer and autumn seasons of 2013 and 2014 at the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Egypt. The first experiment was carried out during the summer seasons of 2013 and 2014 to investigate the composting effect on different organic agricultural wastes such as olive cake, rice straw and horse manure. Four different proportions of olive cake were applied 0, 10, 20 and 30% mixed with rice straw 50 % and horse manure 50, 40, 30 and 20 % respectively then four different compost treatments were tested in the current study 10 % of olive cake + 50% rice straw + 40% horse manure (C1), 20 % of olive cake + 50% rice straw + 30% horse manure (C2), 30 % of olive cake + 50% rice straw + 20% horse manure (C3) and 0 % of olive cake + 50% rice straw + 50% horse manure (C4). The physiochemical properties of different compost mixtures were estimated before and after composting process (bulk density, C/N ratio, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nutrients content, etc.). The obtained results indicated that the percentages of organic carbon and organic matter in different compost piles were decreased compared to their values in raw materials for each pile. The highest EC value (2.78 dS/m) recorded by C1 treatment. While the lowest C/N ratio 10.44:1 obtained by C4 treatment. On the other hand, the total phenols in compost samples of C1, C2 and C3 were decreased compared to the initial concentration in the raw materials of olive cake. An open field experiment was conducted out during autumn seasons of 2013 and 2014 to study the use of different studied composts as a substrate amendments in sand culture in constant proportion of sand 80% + compost 20 % as followed: sand + compost C1 (S1), sand + compost C2 (S2), sand + compost C3 (S3) and sand + compost C4 (S4) compared to sand + commercial compost (S5) for producing lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Iceberg). This study aimed to improve the sand substrate as well as evaluate the effect of different compost types on lettuce yield. The results showed that, S5 gave the highest values of fresh, dry weight and nitrogen content (1250.5, 65.3 g/ plant and 5.26 %, respectively) flowed by S1 (1005.7, 60.3 g/ plant and 4.65 %, respectively). While the lowest values (743.0, 44.6 g/ plant and 3.30 %, respectively) were obtained by S3 treatment. In addition increasing olive cake ratio more than 10% to compost pile tended to decrease vegetative growth of lettuce plant, this trend was true with two successive seasons. Generally, the lettuce yield, chlorophyll and some macronutrients content (N and K) as were affected by composted agriculture wastes (C1, C2, C3 and C4) mixed with sand culture as a substrate were arranged in the descending order, C1> C4> C2> C3.While there were no significant differences between all treatments on head firmness and the content of P and Ca in lettuce plant.

The experiment was conducted under net house in modern intensive hydroponic system and replicated... more The experiment was conducted under net house in modern intensive hydroponic system and replicated Three times at January, February and March 2014 in the experimental site

Field experiment was conducted during two successive autumn seasons of 2010/2011 and 201112012 at... more Field experiment was conducted during two successive autumn
seasons of 2010/2011 and 201112012 at El-Bossily Farm, Behira Governorate in the North Coastal of Egypt to utilize and investigate The effect of different sources of compost (vermicompost of cattle manure + vegetable and fruit wastes + shredded newspaper, faba bean compost, rice compost and cattle manure) combined with different compost rates 2, 4 and 6 m3 per standard greenhouse (540 m2 ) on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. vs. Safa 62 F1) growth and yield under
unheated single span plastic house. Data revealed that using
vermicompost recorded the highest values of vegetative growth, yield
and number of fruits per plant followed by using cattle manure
compost during the two successive seasons. The lowest total yield was
obtained by using rice straw compost during the two tested seasons.
Increasing compost rate up to 6 m3 per greenhouse enhanced plant
growth, number of fruits and total yields under different compost
sources. The reuse of agricultural residues and organic urban wastes in
composting and vermicomposting as raw materials instead of burning
to produce organic fertilizers led to sequestrate CO2 in the soil by 340,
398, 463 and 286 kg/tone and conserve nitrogen fertilizer by 17.1,
13.0, 9.8 and 16.9 kg/tone of vermicompost, faba bean compost, rice
compost and cattle manure respectively

The increase demands for food security, the expected future of climate change impacts, environmen... more The increase demands for food security, the expected future of climate change impacts, environmental concerns, water shortage and the need for recycling different organic wastes and mitigate their CO2 emission were the driving forces for developing the use of vermicomposting outputs and ecology soilless culture. Two experiments were carried out during autumn seasons of 2011, 2012 and 2013 at Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Giza, Egypt under net house. First study investigated the ability of vermicomposting outputs as substrate and organic nutrient solution. Vermicompost mixed with perlite, vermiculite and sand (30: 70 % v/v) compared to peat moss + perlite (50: 50 % v/v) combined with different sources of nutrient solutions (vermi-tea, vermi-liquid and chemical solution) on the yield of lettuce. Study the effect of vermicompost mixed with perlite in different proportions of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 (v/v) compared to peat moss: perlite combined with different sources of nutrient solution (vermi-tea, compost-tea and chemical) on lettuce yield take a place in second study.Iceberg lettuce type cv. Robinson F1 hybrid was cultivated in both two experiments in split plot design with three replicates.
Data revealed that using vermicompost as a substrate combined with different substrates recorded the highest values of the physical properties of head lettuce during the two successive seasons compared to peat moss + perlite. Vermicompost + sand followed by vermicompost + perlite recorded the highest results of the physical properties of head lettuce. Otherwise, obtained results of the second experiment illustrated that increasing the vermicompost rate decreased the physical properties of head lettuce. The proportion of vermicompost + perlite (1: 3 v/v) gave the highest records of the physical properties of head lettuce compared to the control. The vermi-liquid and vermi-tea gave positive effects on the physical properties of head lettuce in the first and second study respectively. The chemical nutrient solution recorded the highest N (%) content in both experiments.
The study supported the use of vermicompost and vermi-liquid instead of peat moss and chemical nutrient solution in ecology soilless production of lettuce plants. The vermicomposting could be used for recycling the organic urban wastes to produce input materials of soilless, green roof and ecology culture besides mitigating greenhouse gases (GHG's) emission.

The need for recycling organic wastes should be one of the priorities of urban as well as rural r... more The need for recycling organic wastes should be one of the priorities of urban as well as rural regions under the climate change impacts to minimize the consumption of natural sources. Two studies were conducted out during two successive winter seasons at the Central Laboratory for
Agricultural Climate (CLAC), Giza, Egypt. The first study (2011/2012 and 2012/2013) was to investigate the effect of vermicompost as an alternative organic substrate mixed with different mineral substrate perlite, vermiculite and sand (20 : 80% v/v) compared to peat moss + perlite (50 : 50% v/v) combined with different sources of nutrient solutions (vermicompost-tea, composttea and chemical) on the growth and yield of strawberry. Improving the physical and chemical
properties of substrates (Sand and perlite) by vermicompost investigated in the second study (2012/2013 and 2013/2014) by mixing vermicompost with sand and perlite instead of peat moss in different proportions of 15:85, 30:70 and 45:55%(v/v) respectively compared to sand 100% and perlite 100%. Strawberry cv., Sweet charley and Festival F1 hybrid were cultivated under unheated plastic house and low tunnels in the first and second experiments respectively.
The obtained data of the first study revealed that chemical nutrient solution recorded the highest values of vegetative, yield (337 and 359 g/plant) and quality characteristics of strawberry, while using vermicompost as a substrate mix combined with different substrates had a positive significant
effect compared to control. Vermicompost + sand followed by vermicompost + vermiculite recorded the highest results of vegetative, yield (327 and 356 - 329 and 346 g/plant) respectively and quality characteristics of strawberry.
The second experiment illustrated that increasing the vermicompost rate had a negative significant impacts on growth and yield of strawberry. In general the substrate mixture of vermicompost + sand (15: 85%) gave the highest growth, yield (552 and 585 g/plant), quality and chemical contents. Also, vermicompost with sand mixtures generally recorded the highest yield compared to the vermicompost with perlite mixtures.

The availability of fodder is subject to decrease due to climate change impacts on crops producti... more The availability of fodder is subject to decrease due to climate change impacts on crops productivity, and higher competition for land and water resources between fodder and cereal crops under expected risks of climate change on Egypt. Two experiments were carried out during 2012 at Central Laboratory for Agriculture Climate (CLAC), Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, Egypt. Barely (Hordeum vulgare L.), cv. Giza 21 was used in this study. The study aimed to investigate the different densities of barely seeds (0.5, 1 and 1.5 cm) on the forge production per m2 in complete randomized blocks design at the first trail. While in the second trail, to compare the hydroponic forage production between the net house system (net + fog cooling) and control cooling room (Air condition) in a factorial design. Vegetative and root characteristics were measured at first study and quality properties were taken in consider at, on the second study beside vegetative and root characteristics.
The mentioned results indicated that increasing the barely seed density from 0.5 to 1.5 cm led to increase the total sprout, shoot and root of both fresh and dry weight (Kg/m2), shoot height, root length and barely seed temperature while decreasing the dry matter content of barely seed as a result of germination and increasing of barely seed temperature.
The sprouting of barely under net house system recorded the highest values of physical characteristics and chemical analysis compared to sprouting under control cooling room. The economic factor is considered when comparing the high cost of control cooling room and energy needs with the net system.
The use, environmental and economic efficiencies of using and operating hydroponic green forage tended strongly to favor the density barely seed of 1.5 cm (10 Kg/m2) under the net house system to give the highest results.

Keywords: Green forage, feeder, barely, hydroponic culture, intensive culture, net house, cooling room and climate change.