Soil samples, especially in the root zone, were collected from various crop fields at different localities in Egypt. Samples were analyzed to determine residue levels of certain chlorinated and organophosphor:bus insecticides. Results indicated that, approximately, all the samples contained residues of Lindane, Alpha HCH and DDT. Residues of Dieldrin were detected only in 13.9 % of the total analyzed samples while in 30.6 % for endrin and both were in trace amounts.
For organo phosphorous insecticide residues, only maiathion was found in 22.2 % of the tested soil samples. High level of residues were recorded in two samples (4.03 % & 6.76 ppm). According to the information gathered during this study, the fields were treated with malathion before collection of the two samples. None of the samples contained pirimiphos-methyl residues.