Wheat is regarded as one of the most significant strategic crops in Egypt, serving as a fundamental source of nutrition. Due to the excessive consumption levels relative to domestic production, Egypt has emerged as one of the principal wheat-importing nations in order to bridge the food supply gap. Consequently, it is imperative to prioritize the enhancement of wheat productivity to achieve self-sufficiency and diminish reliance on imports. This study seeks to enhance the physical and chemical characteristics of heavy clay soils through the implementation of specific tillage practices and soil amendments. Both surface and deep tillage methods were employed alongside the addition of sand and compost. The experiment was designed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD), incorporating four rates of sand (0 Mg ha-1 , 133.3 Mg ha-1 , 266.6 Mg ha-1 , and 400 Mg ha-1 ) and four rates of compost (0 Mg ha-1 , 13.3 Mg ha-1 , 26.7 Mg ha-1 , and 53.3 Mg ha-1 ). Wheat was sown in the experimental plots to evaluate the impact of these treatments on soil properties and, consequently, on wheat crop productivity. The experiment was conducted during the winter of 2023, and the recommended fertilization rates were implemented. The findings indicated a significant increase in wheat yield corresponding to the elevated rates of sand and compost application across both tillage conditions when compared to the control group. This enhancement can be ascribed to modifications in soil texture, which improved root penetration resistance and elevated water hydraulic conductivity, in addition to reducing the calcium carbonate content. Furthermore, the incorporation of compost effectively augmented the soil's organic matter content, thereby increasing cation exchange capacity (CEC) and facilitating enhanced nutrient uptake, resulting in improved wheat growth and higher productivity. Surface tillage yielded superior results relative to deep tillage, given that wheat is characterized by a shallow root system. |
