Effect of irrigation regimes and application of barley residue, zeolite and superabsorbent polymer on forage yield, cadmium, nitrogen and some physiological traits of corn and sorghum
The research paper investigates the impact of different irrigation regimes and the application of soil amendments—barley residue, zeolite, and superabsorbent polymer—on the forage yield and physiological traits of corn and sorghum under water deficit conditions. Conducted over two years in Iran, the study utilized a randomized complete block design with two main irrigation treatments: normal irrigation and water deficit stress. The study also examined five combinations of soil amendments.
Key findings include that under water deficit stress, the forage yield of both corn and sorghum decreased significantly, while the application of zeolite (in treatments ZR and ZSR) resulted in the highest forage yields and the lowest cadmium concentrations in forage. The study noted that the use of barley residue significantly improved relative water content (RWC) and reduced leaf malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline levels, indicating less oxidative stress. The forage fresh yield for corn was 62.6 t/ha and for sorghum was 48.5 t/ha. The authors recommend using 5 t/ha of zeolite and 4.5 t/ha of barley residue for optimal corn production in a double-cropping system.
This research paper is significant in the field of agronomy and sustainable agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where water scarcity is a pressing issue. It contributes to ongoing discussions about improving crop resilience to drought through innovative agricultural practices and soil amendments. The findings provide practical recommendations for farmers and agricultural policymakers to enhance forage production while minimizing the negative impacts of water stress. The research highlights the potential of using natural resources like zeolite and crop residues to improve soil health and crop yield, which is crucial for food security in water-limited environments.
