Effectiveness of a zeolite-based fertilizer in reducing nutrient leaching in a recently sodded turfgrass
The research paper presents a field study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a zeolite-containing fertilizer, Zeotech N, in minimizing nutrient leaching in recently sodded turfgrass. The study was conducted on eighteen plots sodded with a mixture of 70% Lolium perenne and 30% Poa pratensis in April 2008, using a sandy substrate amended with peat. The research compared the zeolite-based fertilizer with a combination of conventional fertilizers that provided equivalent nutrient content.
The study was divided into two phases. In Study 1, fertilizers were applied on three occasions (April, May, and June 2008) at varying nitrogen rates of 0 (control), 25, and 50 kg ha⁻¹, translating to annual applications of 0, 300, and 600 kg ha⁻¹ N. In Study 2, the same fertilizers were applied later in the season (July, August, and September 2008) at rates of 0, 50, and 100 kg ha⁻¹ N, equivalent to 0, 600, and 1200 kg ha⁻¹ N per year.
To assess the impact of the treatments, two suction lysimeters were installed in each plot to collect substrate solutions at a depth of 40 cm. Turfgrass color was visually rated weekly, and vertical growth rates were measured before mowing. The results indicated that increased fertilization rates positively influenced turf growth and color. Notably, nutrient concentrations in the substrate solution were significantly affected only in Study 2. At the highest fertilization rate of 100 kg ha⁻¹ N, potassium and nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) concentrations were elevated, but the use of Zeotech N resulted in lower NO3-N concentrations compared to conventional fertilizers.
This research paper is significant in the field of turfgrass management and environmental sustainability. It addresses the critical issue of nutrient leaching, which can lead to environmental pollution and the degradation of water quality. By exploring the effectiveness of a zeolite-based fertilizer, the study contributes to ongoing discussions about sustainable agricultural practices and the use of innovative fertilizers that can enhance nutrient retention in soils.
The findings are particularly beneficial for turfgrass managers, landscapers, and agricultural professionals seeking to optimize fertilization strategies while minimizing environmental impacts. The research highlights the potential of zeolite-based fertilizers as a viable alternative to conventional fertilizers, promoting healthier turf growth and reducing nutrient runoff.
