Topclass Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 1(3) Pp. 22-28, 26 July, 2013 Available online at http://www.topclassglobaljournals.org ©2013 Topclass Global Journals Submitted 23/5/2013 Accepted 18/7/2013 Full Length Research Article The combined effect of bentonite and natural zeolite on sandy soil properties and productivity of some crops Hassan, A.Z.A. 1 and Abdel Wahab M. Mahmoud 2 1 Agriculture research center, Soil and water and environment institute, Giza, Egypt 2 Cairo University, Faculty of Agriculture, Plant Physiology Department, Giza, Egypt ******************************************************************************************************************************* ABSTRACT This research was undertaken to characterize the ability of natural zeolite and bentonite minerals in the ratio of 1:10 (w/w), to change soil chemical and hydro-physical characteristics and some morphological growth parameters as well as the yield production of faba bean (Viciafaba L.) and corn (Zea maize) grown under drip irrigation system and natural drainage conditions. Completely randomized field experiments were conducted at Ismailia governorate in EL-Salhya project, during the winter season of 2009/2010 and the summer one of 2010. Soil conditioner was applied in the rate of 0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 ton/fed. Obtained results reveal that soil chemical properties, i.e. EC, pH, soluble cations and anions as well as SAR values are directly affected by increasing conditioner application rate. Modification in soil textural class from sandy to loamy sand was made with the increase in clay content. Bulk density, macro-pores and saturated hydraulic conductivity values were markedly decreased, while the values of total porosity, water holding capacity, field capacity and available moisture were progressively increased. The greatest improvement in these soil characteristics is pronounced under the highest rate of conditioner doses. Moreover, growth parameters of the two crops as well as their seed yields were beneficially increased with increasing the rate of applied conditioner. This reveals to the highly magnitude of combining natural zeolite and bentonite conditioners in a proper amount to improve sandy soils properties and enhancing their productivity. Key words: Bentonite, Chemical and hydro-physical properties, Natural zeolie, Productivity, Sandy soils, Soil conditioners ******************************************************************************************************************************* INTRODUCTION Sandy soils widely exist in arid and semi-arid regions such as the East and West desert areas of Egypt. Increasing the productive lands is one of the major targets of the agricultural policy. The productivity of sandy soils is mostly limited by several agronomic obstacles. Their very low specific surface area caused its inert chemical and biological conditions. The fertility level of such soils is very poor and is controlled by their fine fractions, i.e. clay and organic matter contents. In this respect, Abd El-Kader (1999) showed that nutrients applied to raise the low fertility of sandy soils were subjected to loss by leaching. Correspondence Author's Email: helwan3@yahoo.com