Abstract
Global use of urea nitrogen (N) fertilizer is increasing, but N losses are still very high (40–70%). Zeolites have the capability of holding NH4+, thus reducing N losses when applied as a soil amendment. However, application of a large quantity of zeolite is costly and inconvenient. In this study, zeolitic fertilizers were evaluated to select the best formulation with reduced leaching of NH4-N and NO3-N and NH3 volatilization in agricultural soils (Alfisol and Spodosol). The treatments included the following: T0 = control, T1 = urea fertilizer, T2 = zeo-urea (1:1), T3 = zeo-urea (2:1), T4 = zeo-urea (3:1), T5 = zeo-urea (1:2), and T6 = zeo-urea (1:3). Leaching was performed at 4, 8, 12, 19, 25, 32, 39 and 45 days after the soils were treated with the designated fertilizers, including control, and packed into columns. Leachate samples were collected after each leaching event and analyzed for the concentrations of NH4-N and NO3-N and the quantity of leachate. Ammonia volatilization was recorded at days 1, 5, 9, 13 and 20 of soil treatments. Results indicate that zeolitic fertilizer formulations effectively reduced N losses. NH4-N loss was reduced by 13% and 28% by zeo-urea (1:1) in Alfisol and Spodosol soils, respectively, whereas zeo-urea (2:1) and zeo-urea (3:1) effectively decreased NO3-N leaching in Alfisol. Volatilization loss of NH3 was reduced by 47% in Spodosol and 32% in Alfisol soil with zeo-urea (1:1) as compared with that of urea fertilizer. The results suggest that zeo-urea (1:1) is an effective fertilizer formulation for reducing N losses, especially in Alfisol, as compared with conventional urea fertilizer.
Highlights
The ever-increasing population of the world has put pressure on cultivated land and created a threat to food security [1]
Environmental pollution has become more frequent [3] as a big portion of the applied fertilizers is lost via leaching or volatilization, which results in increased production cost and environmental pollution
Hydroxyl functional are very effective for the sorption of ammonium
Summary
The ever-increasing population of the world has put pressure on cultivated land and created a threat to food security [1]. By 2050 to meet the food demands [2]. This situation has compelled the agriculture sector to use excessive fertilizers and pesticides for achieving higher crop yield. Environmental pollution has become more frequent [3] as a big portion of the applied fertilizers is lost via leaching or volatilization, which results in increased production cost and environmental pollution. Global nitrogen (N) demand is expected to increase 1.4% per annum up to 2023. Urea is the most commonly used N fertilizer, and world urea demand is estimated to increase
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