Effect of natural and synthetic soil conditioners on the growth and production of cucumber in greenhouse

Saudi Arabia is characterized by scarcity of water resources and predominance of sandy soils. The productivity of these soils is limited by low water holding capacity and deep percolation which resulted in low fertilizer and water use efficiency. Efficient utilization of both water and soil is essential in the and environment. The undertaken study was carried out to investigate the effect of natural clay deposit (bentonite) and synthetic polymer (Broadleaf P4) on growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv Dina) in a series of greenhouse experiments in 2000 -2001. Predetermined amount of bentonite at rates of 1, 2, and 3% and synthetic polymer at rates of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3% on dry weight basis were mixed on the top 10 cm of the sandy soils of the greenhouse. The experiments were arranged in a completely random design and treatments were replicated four times. Soil conditioners were added three days before planting. The plants were drip irrigated with predetermined amount of water at 80% of the field capacity of the control. Foliar applications of the required amount of complete fertilizers were applied. At the second leaf stage, seedlings were transferred to a sterilized seedling beds. Results indicate that both bentonite and Broadleaf p4 were significantly increased the yield component. Fresh weight increased with addition of bentonite and Broadleaf p4 by 33 and 50% for the first year and by 11 and 16% for the second year, respectively.