TITLE:
Effect of Ammonium- and Potassium-Loaded Zeolite on Kale (Brassica alboglabra) Growth and Soil Property
AUTHORS:
Junxi Li, Chido Wee, Bokyoon Sohn
KEYWORDS:
Zeolite; Slow-Release Fertilizer; Soil Property; Kale; Growth Response
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.4 No.10,
October
9,
2013
ABSTRACT:
We investigated the feasibility of using ammonium- and potassium-loaded
zeolite (NK-Z) as carriers for fertilizer and for slow release of nitrogen (N)
and potassium (K). Plant growth response and soil analysis were performed. The
results indicated an increase in the total harvest weight of kale (Brassica
alboglabra Bailey). Furthermore, higher levels of N and K were detected in
soil applied with NK-Z than in soil applied with compound fertilizers. The leaf
fresh weight of kale in the fertilizer treatments including NK-Z were 2118.4
and 2111.3 g·plant-1, while the leaf fresh weights of kale in the treatment
without NK-Z was 2018.0 g·plant-1.
The N and K contents in the soils were maintained in the high level in the NK-Z
treatment compared that in control treatment. The results indicate that NK-Z
has a great potential as the slow-release fertilizer reducing pollution by
preventing leaching to the ground water.