Synthetic Zeolite A as Zinc and Manganese Fertilizer in Calcareous Soil

ABSTRACT

The Leccino olive cultivar was grown in pots contained calcareous rendzina soil amended with NPK fertilizer (control treatment) or with further addition of Zeolite A (ZA) containing either zinc (Zn²⁺) or manganese (Mn²⁺) (Zn-ZA and Mn-ZA). After one year, vegetative growth and root morphological parameters were measured and elemental analysis was performed on the root, stem, and leaves. Compared to other treatments, the Zn-ZA fertilizer enhanced Zn concentration and total quantity in the root, stem, and leaves, as well as the root diameter. The root volume was greater using Zn-ZA treatment than control treatment. The total quantity of Mn in root and the root length were enhanced when using Mn-ZA compared to control or Zn-ZA treatment. According to the results of this study, it appears that zeolites containing Zn provide favorable conditions for Zn uptake in calcareous soils, while both Zn and Mn zeolites have a positive impact on olive root morphology.

KEYWORDS:

• Leccino
• nutrient uptake
• olive
• root morphology
• tissues

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Sports (grant no. 091-0910468-0166). We especially extend our appreciation to Ana Vidak and Marija Polić Pasković, MEng., for their technical support and assistance in conducting the experiment.