Effects of the application of natural zeolite on the growth and nutrient status of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
2009
Baninasab, Bahram
The unique cation exchange, adsorption, hydration-dehydration, and catalytic properties of natural zeolites, and their abundance, have promoted their use in agriculture as soil amendments and slow-release fertilisers. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of natural Iranian zeolite on vegetative growth and the nutrient status of radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Cherry Belle). The experiment was performed as a completely randomised design with six treatments (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100 g zeolite kg⁻¹ soil) and four replicates. The results indicated that zeolite increased leaf number and leaf area, shoot fresh weight (FW), the diameter and FW of edible roots, the number, length and FW of fibrous roots, and harvest index. The use of zeolite also increased the concentrations of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) in shoot tissues, and the cation-exchange capacity of the medium. It was concluded that zeolite had a pronounced positive effect on vegetative growth in radish. Zeolite may be recommended as a soil amendment for vegetable crops such as radish to decrease nutrient leaching.
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