A REVIEW OF DRAINAGE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF EGYPTIAN HEAVY CLAY SOILS

Abstract

Reclamation and cultivation of heavy clay soils in Egypt are increased last decades due to high demand
for food production. They are very attractive for agricultural expansion in the North of the Nile valley
due to their high capacity of water holding and high fertility. High water table, high salinity and low
permeability affect the productivity of heavy clay soils. The land drainage is required to improve the
productivity these soils. Improvement of soil properties, suitable drainage systems, suitable drainage
design, accurate drainage installation and maintenance are required to have feasible drainage system
with good performance. The purpose of this paper is to summarize past and present drainage
management practices and future challenges and technology to sustainability the agricultural expansion
in the heavy clay soils of northern part of the Nile Delta.