ABSTRACT
Understanding the potential of clinoptilolite (CLI) for adsorption of NH4+ and K+, providing appropriate fertilizer formula, and evaluation of the produced zeolitic nutrient sources (ZNSs) to meet the plant need are the main objectives of this study. Three ZNSs (NH4+-saturated, K+-saturated and dual-purpose NH4+-K+ saturated CLI) were produced, assessed, and compared with commercial N and K fertilizers (CFs) on corn growth in a greenhouse. The results indicated that CLI can potentially adsorb both NH4+ and K+ to the maximum values of 25.00 mg-NH4+ g−1 and 47.61 mg-K g−1, respectively, and chemisorptions mainly followed the process of adsorption. Saturation of zeolite by NH4+ and K+ occurred after 10 and 15 d which lead to ZNSs with 2% and 5% of N and K, respectively. NH4+-K+ saturated CLI contained 1% N and 1% K. The greenhouse experiment showed no significant difference between ZNSs and CFs on plant growth. However, the application of both N and K in the form of zeolitic sources significantly increased the uptake of N by the plant. The highest uptake of K (2.05 g pot−1) occurred in plants supplied with both natural zeolite and CFs. The present results may benefit the future utilization of ZNSs in environmental friendly farming practices.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.