Effect of Zeolite Soil addition under Different Irrigation Intervals on Maize Yield (zea mays L.) and some Soil Properties

Abstract

The adequate supply of irrigation water is a crucial factor controlling the growth and productivity of crops.Under water poverty conditions in Egypt and most arid regions, sustaining the irrigation water in the root zone as long as possible becomes very necessary.Consequently, two field trials were performed aiming to evaluate the effect of zeolite soil addition of as main plots[ Z0:without zeolite(control)and Z1: with zeolite at rate of 10 Mg h -1 ]under three irrigation intervals as subplots [I1: irrigation every 12 days (traditional irrigation) in addition to irrigation every 14(I2)and 16(I3) days, which represented the deficit irrigation treatments]. The execution of the research trail was done in a split-plot design with three replicates. Maize was used as an experimental plant based on its significant response to water alterations in the root zone. Biochemical plant characters including total chlorophyll, total phenols and proline contents were measured in leaves at period of 60 days from sowing. In addition, vegetative growth parameters (plant height) as well as quantitative (e.g., No.of grain ear -1 ,No.of rows ear -1 , grain and biological yield) and qualitative (i.e.,carbohydrates, protein and oil)yield characteristics were determined at harvesting stage. Findings of this study showed that the zeolite soil addition before sowing (Z1) with irrigation interval of maize plants every14days (I2) as combined treatment realizes better results for improving quantitative and qualitative yield characteristics than non-addition of zeolite (Z0) under traditional irrigation interval (I1:every12days).Post-harvest soil analysis indicated that the usage of zeolite improves some studied soil properties e.g., bulk density, total porosity, CEC and FC.

Relationship of Irrigation Intervals, Silicon, and Nano-Silver to Maize Productivity Under Soil Affected by Salinity

“…Ag nanoparticle is also important to encounter oxidative and osmotic stresses (Khan and Bano, 2016). These results are in harmony with those reported by El-Sherpiny et al (2020); Gomaa et al (2021 a, b); Tefera (2021) who indicated that using Si or AgNPs or its combination increased yield and yield components.…”

Zeolite Amendment for Enhanced Onion Growth with Reduced Mineral Nitrogen Fertilization: A Promising Approach

“…Also, it has an important role in preventing soil moisture losses (Khalifa et al, 2019). Generally, it can be said that zeolite possesses a vital role in reducing the added synthetic nitrogen fertilizers due to its ability to hold the mineral nitrogen forms as long as possible (El-Sherpiny et al, 2020), consequently slow-release of its and increasing efficiency of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.…”

“…There are many recent studies that talked about the possibility of raising the efficiency of mineral fertilization of the nitrogen element by mixing it with zeolite conditioner (Bernardi et al, 2009;Azarpour et al, 2011;Khalifa et al, 2019;El-Sherpiny et al, 2020). Zeolite is among the most hydrated minerals on the surface of the earth and is found in a myriad of environments, including soils.…”

Reducing the Salt Effect on Maize Plant Through the External Addition of Melatonin and Soil Addition of Vermicompost and Potassium Humate

“…The surge in the poultry and livestock industry has further led to a substantial increase in maize consumption in animal feeds. Recognized as a lucrative grain crop, maize stands out as one of the most versatile globally (El-Sherpiny et al 2020).…”