NH₄⁺-K⁺ co-loaded clinoptilolite as a binary fertilizer

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Slow-release fertilizer (SRF)
• zeolite
• chemical fertilizer (CF)
• clinoptilolite (CLI)
• greenhouse experiment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.