Clinoptilolite, as a N, K, and Zn source for plants
Date
1981
Authors
Lewis, Michael D., author
Moore, Frank Devitt, III, advisor
Goldsberry, Kenneth L., 1932-, committee member
Schmehl, W. R., committee member
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Abstract
Clinoptilolite was tested for its capacity to enhance availability of N, K, and Zn in the production of vegetable and flower species. Ammonium charged zeolite and mixtures of zeolite plus ammonium sulfate or urea were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment involving a medium (13% clay) textured alkaline soil with no drainage provided and a light (6% clay) textured soil which was leached 6 times during the course of the experiment. Controls were ammonium sulfate and urea. Banding provided the most effective method of application of zeolite compared to incorporation when radish, Raphanus sativus cv. Improved Scarlet Globe, was used as a test species. Banded ammonium charged zeolite increased radish growth in both medium and light textured soils. A decrease in N03-N loss occurred in the leached light soil. A physical mixture of uncharged zeolite and ammonium sulfate provided no increase in radish growth or reduction in leachate nitrate. Banding zeolite, in conjunction with urea, reduced growth suppression which occurred when only urea was added. Growth response of tomato Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Spring Giant, were evaluated under field conditions, using banded treatments of ammonium charged zeolite, ammonium charged zeolite plus ammonium sulfate and uncharged zeolite plus ammonium sulfate. No differences in plant growth occurred among zeolite and control treatments due to unavoidable additions of nitrate nitrogen in the irrigation water. Two greenhouse experiments were used to evaluate the influence of zeolite on vegetables, cut flowers and potted plant crops in two different media. Radish, Raphanus sativus cv. Improved Scarlet Globe responded positively to charged and naturally potassic zeolites, equaling growth obtained by the fertilizer injection method. Lettuce, Lactuca sativa cv. Grand Rapids Forcing (H-54); beans, Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Cherokee; chrysanthemums, Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. Bonnie Jean and snapdragon, Antirrhinum majus cv. Missouri growth was not positively affected by predesigned zeolite levels. Pot crops of poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima cv. Dark Red Annette Hegg and Easter lily, Lilium longiflorum cv. Ace also were not responsive.
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Subject
Soil chemistry
Clinoptilolite
Plant-soil relationships