NATURAL PHOSPHATE AFFECTING MAIZE AS A PROTECTIVE CROP FOR TOMATO UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CONDITIONS AT TOSHKY

Abstract

Toshky is a new area in the southern part of Egypt. Recently, the national project Is interested in cultivating these lands to get clean agri­culture free from pollution. The concept of agricultural practices in this area should be completely different as compared to the old lands in the Nilo Delta and the Valley. Intercropping would help to get annual Income within the growing season. The intercropping system is one of the impor­tant factors to increase the income and may protect another crop from damage. The aim is to study sources as well as doses of phosphate in combination of intercropping by using maize as a protective crop for to­mato traits and production under conditions of environmental stress. Two field trials were carried out at the Agricultural Research Station. Southern Valley, Toshky. The experiment was carried out for two years during 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 seasons in a randomized complete block design. The treatments are different mainly in phosphate sources (natural rock phosphate and super phosphate) and doses. Transplanting dates for tomato (castle rock) hybrid were on 25" and 30" of December in both seasons 2000/2001 and 2001/2002. respectively. while sowing dates of maize were on 15" and 20" of February in the two seasons, re­spectively. Tomato was transplanted In lines 100 cm width with 50 cm between each two drippers. Maize (TWC 310) was planted in hills spaced 25 em on the other side of the drippers. Soil varies from loamy to sandy loam; salinity, content of organic matter and soil fertility are very low and soil reaction tends to alkalinity. Calcium carbonate is about 13% and the soil behaved as calcareous. Based on the soi taxonomy the soil could be classified as Ty* Xeroflu­vants loam, mixed hyper thermic to Typic Torripsamments, sandy loam, mixed hyper thermic. It may be worth to mention that intercropping to­mato with maize saved irrigation water by 40% compared with solo treatments. Tomato fruits are significantly affected by intercropping to­mato with maize and phosphate sources and doses. The damage of to­mato Wits was decreased and marketable yield increased. These could be attributed to the height of maize plants that acts as shadow on to­mato plants and protect fruits from sun rays and reduce the effect of di­rect burning on fruits. Phosphate fertilizers may affect maize without

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