Using enriched zeolite as a slow release iron fertilizer for soilless greenhouse cultivation of cucumber

ABSTRACT

Two studies were conducted to find the effects of zeolite in soilless cucumber culture. Zeolite was enriched by essential cations (Z_cat) for some treatments and with essential cations plus iron sulfate (Z_fe) in others. In 2010, various Z_Fe levels were compared with various amounts of iron in irrigation water and various zeolite levels in two enrichment methods were studied. In 2011, various Z_Fe levels mixed with Peatlite and also perlite were compared with various amounts of iron in irrigation water. The effects of treatments on iron concentration of leaves were not significant, which could be because iron was supplied by releasing it from zeolite. Using ZFe as iron resource increased the yield and vigor of plants in proportion to iron chelates. Enrichment methods did not have significant effect on measured traits. Z_Fe had provided iron requirement of plant. Perlite in comparison to Peatlite did not affect iron absorption.

KEYWORDS:

• Greenhouse cucumber
• zeolite
• iron

Funding

This study was supported by Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch of Islamic Azad University and agricultural organization of Isfahan province. We appreciate the Board of Directors for this financial support.