Interaction zeolite and compost on soil characteristics and performance of Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides L.)

Abstract Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides L.) is one of the most recognized plants in order to improve and restore pasture. Due to poor soil in the country one of the fastest ways of management  for optimum growth and recovery of degraded areas to add amendments to the soil. This study aimed to investigate the effect of zeolite and compost on soil characteristics and performance of Vetiver Grass in a randomized complete block design with three replications for five months a year in the greenhouse of the University of Malayer was 2014-2015. Zeolite in five levels of zero (control), 1, 2, 3 and 4% by weight of soil and compost manure in four levels  zero (control), 20, 40 and 60% by volume of soil to the pot of five kilograms of contained base Vetiver was added. Significant effect of treatments and an increase in the parameters: pH, electrical conductivity, soil moisture and soil K levels created and decreased soil bulk density but did not make a significant difference in the Ca and Mg soil. The effects of manure to reduce the density of the soil, was more than zeolite. Compilation of zeolite and compost levels increased significantly in all parameters measured were Vetiver Grass. The highest percentage of essential oil treatment 1 wt% zeolite and 20% by volume of compost and the lowest percentage of essential oil in the treatment of the zeolite and 20% by volume of compost was created. Also crude protein content of leaf, length shoot and roots and concentration of soluble sugars and insoluble in different treatments zeolite and compost the impact of a significant increase in relation to the control. However, this increase has not been uniform linear. It seems that using combination of zeolite and compost has been positive effects on soil properties and crop yield Vetiver.