Assessment of soil pollution in Wasit Governorate by brick factories in Al-Hay District

Abstract

A field study was conducted during the spring season of 2024 to evaluate the effect of soil amendments and transpiration inhibitors on the water requirements of the peanut crop (Arachis hypogaea L.) under surface drip irrigation conditions in Wasit Governorate, adopting the calculation of actual water consumption based on 50% depletion of available water. The study included four types of soil amendments (biochar, peat moss, perlite, and a control without amendment) and three types of transpiration inhibitors (okra extract, potassium silicate, and a control without inhibitor). The results showed the superiority of the biochar treatment combined with okra extract in reducing actual water consumption, recording the lowest value of 353.6 mm compared with the control treatment, which recorded 712.6 mm. This was accompanied by a clear reduction in the number of irrigations and the amount of irrigation water at all growth stages. This treatment also led to a significant decrease in crop coefficient (Kc) values, reflecting improved water use efficiency and reduced water loss without negatively affecting plant growth. Overall, the results indicate that soil amendments, particularly biochar, effectively contributed to reducing water requirements, while okra extract outperformed potassium silicate in limiting water loss through transpiration. The interaction between soil amendments and transpiration inhibitors proved to be more effective than using either alone, achieving water savings of up to about 50% without harming plant growth. These findings highlight the importance of adopting integrated water management techniques to enhance water use efficiency and support the sustainability of peanut cultivation in water-scarce environments.