Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Institute of African Research and Studies - Department of Natural Resources

The aim of this research work is to study the environmental impacts of sand storms particularly on farms in the desert areas or those adjacent to them and trying to protect the growing plants in such farms against the harmful effects of these storms and to minimize soil productivity losses either quantitatively or qualitatively. Hence, increasing the economical return for the farmers in such areas in both Egypt and Libya. Study area was chosen to assemble some farms at Al Adliya Agricultural Association on Cairo {u2013} Belbes Desert Road, Sharkiya Governorate, Egypt (lat: 30{u00B0} 24{u2032} N, lon: 31{u00B0} 33{u2032} E). This area is exposed to many sand storms (over 20 times annually) from Khanka dunes. The environmental impacts of sand storms on some growth parameters and the productivity of some economical crops in the study area were evaluated. The effect of crops protection from such adverse effects using windbreaks or shelterbelts were studied. Chosen crops were 2 years old mango trees and both tomato and eggplant plants

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