Effect of edaphic factors on technical properties of flax fibre

Flax plants were studied at two old sites (Kafer El-Sheikh and El-Fayoum) a nd a new site (El-Salhia). At the harvesting stage soil samples were collec ted and subjected to mechanical, physical and chemical analysis. The fibre yield, physical and chemical characteristics were studied and correlated wi th the major edaphic conditions of the old and new sites. The results indic ate that the fibre yield and quality were quite high in the flax from the K afer El-Sheikh site because of suitable climatic conditions and high fertil ity of the soil. Soil build up of the old site at El-Fayoum enhanced slight ly high fibre strength and fineness, in spite of less favourable climatic c onditions compared to the El-Salhia site. Low organic matter and availabili ty of nutrients in addition to high calcium content were the main factors a ffecting the quantity and quality of the flax fibre in the new cultivated a rea at El-Salhia.