Zeolite Effects On Nitrogen and Phosphorus Availabity in Soil.

Zeolites are naturally occurring alumino-silicate minerals with a large reactive surface area. A field study based on randomized complete block design was established in 2010 to evaluate the effects of Zeolite as a soil amendment to improve the N and P-use efficiency of crops. Mined Ca-Zeolite was applied at 0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 kg/ha, respectively in winter-killed Cowpea and radish cover crop plots in April, 2011. Composite soil samples were collected monthly from each replicated plot at 0 to 15 cm depth, processed, and analyzed for nitrate, ammonium and available P after extracting the field-moist soil with deionized water and 1-M KCl solution. Results showed that N and P availability to plants was improved. Lesser amount of nitrate was extracted by both water and 1-M KCL solution. Most of the N was extracted as ammonium by 1-M KCL solution. Corn yield was responded to Zeolite application.