Zeolite-amended cattle manure effects on sunflower yield, seed quality, water use efficiency and nutrient leaching
The research paper investigates the impact of combining cattle manure with zeolite and chemical fertilizers on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) yield, seed quality, water use efficiency, and nutrient leaching in sandy soils under two irrigation regimes in a semi-arid region of Iran. Conducted over two growing seasons (2008 and 2009), the study utilized a randomized complete-block design with split-plot arrangements, comparing full irrigation (I1) and limited irrigation (I2) alongside five fertilization strategies: urea alone (F1), urea with composted manure (CM) without zeolite (F2), and urea with CM combined with 7%, 14%, and 21% zeolite (F3, F4, F5).
Key findings include:
- Limited irrigation significantly reduced dry matter yield by 10% in 2008 and 9% in 2009.
- The application of manure combined with zeolite improved dry matter and seed yield, with the most significant effects observed in the second year.
- The highest seed protein content was recorded with the F5 treatment, while the lowest was found in F1 and F2 treatments.
- The combination of limited irrigation and the highest zeolite application (I2F5) yielded the best irrigation water productivity (0.81 kg/m³).
- Nitrate leaching was highest in the F1 treatment and lowest in the I2F5 treatment, indicating that integrated treatments significantly reduced nutrient leaching compared to urea alone.
- Zeolite addition also decreased phosphorus leaching, albeit to a lesser extent than nitrate.
The study concludes that amending sandy soils with cattle manure and zeolite can enhance agricultural sustainability by improving nutrient retention and reducing chemical fertilizer requirements.
This research paper is significant in the field of sustainable agriculture, particularly in the context of improving soil health and crop productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. It contributes to ongoing discussions about the use of organic amendments and natural minerals like zeolite to enhance nutrient management and reduce environmental impacts associated with conventional farming practices. The findings provide practical insights for farmers and agronomists seeking to optimize sunflower production while minimizing nutrient leaching and improving water use efficiency, thus promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
