Granular Size Effect of Clinoptilolite on Maize Seedlings Growth

Abstract

Clinoptilolite has been successfully used in growing media for containerized horticultural and floricultural production. However, limited data exist on the effects and interaction between particle size and organic nutrient enrichment of the clinoptilolite. One granular (1-3 mm) and micronized (<30 μm) clinoptilolite was added to quartz sand, an inert growing substrate, at two doses (0.1% and 3% v/v), without or with addition of wine vinasse as nutrient source at four concentrations (0 mg F L subst -1 , 10 mg F L subst -1 , 100 mg F L subst -1 and 1000 mg F L subst -1 ) to evaluate their effect on root growth for five days or the appearance of the second true leaf.Root mucigel was produced in zones where clinoptilolite particles adhered to the root surface. Microscopic analysis of isolated roots showed the increase of secondary roots and the proliferation of root hairs in maize treated with both micronized and granular clinoptilolite, with the contemporary production of root mucigel in zones where zeolite particles adhered to the root surface. It is hypothesized that the enhanced production of mucigel by root cells can favour not only the penetration of roots into the inert substrate, but also the solubilization of organic matter and nutrient availability, in particular when micronized clinoptilolite was present in the growing medium. Therefore, micronized clinoptilolite behaved as a sort of a "physical stimulant" for roots during seedlings, promoting, as a consequence, maize shoot development. Effectively, the highest increase in shoot growth was observed at the highest dose (3% v/v) of micronized zeolite, with the optimal rate of organic fertilizer (100 mg F L subst -1 ).

Use of formulated nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizer<br>using clinoptilolite zeolite in maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation

“…However, in another study, the highest increase of weight or length ratio of maize primary root was obtained for treatment with micronized clinoptilolite at the lower dose of 0.1% compared to higher dose of 3.0% (Trinchera et al, 2010).…”

Stimulation of soil microbiological activity by clinoptilolite: The effect on plant growth

“…On the other hand, rhizospheric effect may be influenced by zeolite application, too. Trinchera et al (2010) Table 3. The fertilizer treatments influence on dehydrogenase activity (TPF μg/g/h × 10 -5 ); more effective in its interaction with root surface.…”

“…Their incorporation in soil was found to increase crop yield and promote nutrient use efficiency (Ramesh & Reddy, 2011). The most abundant zeolite in nature is clinoptilolite (Bernardi et al, 2016) often used as a source of potassium and ammonium ions (Trinchera et al, 2010). Simić et al (2013) suggested that plants may show good response on clinoptilolite used as a fertilizer carrier, and that it has a potential to improve cattle farm -manureorganic fertilizer system for forage crops.…”

JERAPAN NITROGEN-URINE OLEH ZEOLIT DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN TANAMAN JAGUNG (Zea mays L.)

“…Groleau-Renaud et al (1998) membuktikan bahwa pertumbuhan akar tanaman jagung sangat dipengaruhi oleh hambatan mekanik dari media tumbuh. Umumnya diketahui bahwa pengaruh hambatan mekanik terhadap morfologi akar ditentukan oleh sangat berkurangnya laju pemanjangan akar dan bertambahnya diameter dari akar-akar yang terhambat (Trinchera et al, 2010). Boeuf-Tremblay et al (1995) selanjutnya menunjukkan bahwa bibit jagung dan pertumbuhan tanaman sangat dipengaruhi oleh hambatan mekanik melalui simulasi dengan menambahkan butiran-butiran gelas (glass beads) ke dalam media tumbuh yang steril, yang menghasilkan akar-akar yang lebih pendek dan lebih berat per satuan panjang.…”