الفهرس 
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Abstract
Agricultural expansion and desert reclamation are considered the most important projects influencing the development agenda in Egypt. Most of the new reclaimed lands are located in arid and semi-arid regions, which suffer from crusting. This phenomenon is a process by which a compact layer or thin mantle of consolidated soil particles is formed at the soil surface. The result is water loss, soil erosion, seedling emergence difficulties and water infiltration problems into the soil. Crust formation leads to the deterioration of soil characteristics and productivity.