Abstract
Excessive uses of fertilizer can create environmental problems such as soil pollution. This problem could be reduced by amending clinoptilolite zeolite with compound fertilizers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of clinoptilolite zeolite rates in compound fertilizers (N: P: K) on maize nutrients uptake and use efficiency. The following treatments were considered and evaluated: soil alone (T1), 44.6 g 5:3:2 formulated fertilizer (12.83 g compound fertilizer + 31.77 g zeolite) (T2), 44.6 g 5:5:5 formulated fertilizer(18.24 g compound fertilizer + 26.36 g zeolite) (T3), 37.17 g 6:6:6 formulated fertilizer (18.25 g compound fertilizer + 18.92 g zeolite) (T4), 22.30 g 10:10:10 formulated fertilizer (18.24 g compound fertilizer + 4.06 g zeolite) (T5), and 14.87 g 15:15:15 commercial fertilizer (T6). Selected soil chemical properties, as well as, dry weight, nutrients concentrations, uptake and use efficiency were measured. Compound fertilizers with zeolite increased soil pH compared to soil alone (T1) and commercial fertilizer (T6). Application of compound fertilizer did no significantly affect total N and available nitrate in the soil. T6 gave better plant height and dry matter production among treatments. Nitrogen concentrations for all plant parts were similar for all treatments. T6 showed better P concentrations, uptake, and use efficiency. K concentrations in maize plant parts were significantly increased for treatments with zeolite except for roots. T5 and T6 significantly increased K uptake. T6 significantly increased N and P uptake and use efficiency, while T2 significantly increased K use efficiency. Amending N, P, and K fertilizers with higher dosage of clinoptilolite zeolite improved soil chemical properties, nutrient uptake of Masmadu variety. Compound fertilizers amended with clinoptilolite zeolite enhanced K use efficiency of Masmadu maize variety.
Highlights
Maize is being considered the most popular cereal crop after wheat and rice (FAO, 2006)
The pH in both water and KCl for soil alone (T1) and the commercial fertilizer (T6) were found to be acidic when compared to treatments with clinoptilolite zeolite
According to Mumpton (1999), application of clinoptilolite zeolite could improve the amount of P in the soils due to the presence of P in the form of P2O5
Summary
Maize is being considered the most popular cereal crop after wheat and rice (FAO, 2006). Macronutrient and micronutrient fertilizers play important role as soil conditioner (Hattenschwiler et al, 2000). Agriculture production is usually affected by the fertilizer type applied to plants. Mineral fertilizers are alternative sources of nutrient supplement to supply sufficient nutrients in soil as well as to promote better plant productivity. Inadequate application of fertilizers leads to its excessive consumption. Low management of fertilizers in agriculture may further cause
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