Clinoptilolite Zeolite Influence on Inorganic Nitrogen in Silt Loam and Sandy Agricultural Soils

Tarkalson, D.D. and Ippolito, J.A. (2010) Clinoptilolite Zeolite Influence on Inorganic Nitrogen in Silt Loam and Sandy Agricultural Soils. Soil Science. 175(7):357-362. 1 June 2010.

PDF 1401.pdf Download (483kB)

Abstract

Development of best management practices can help improve inorganic nitrogen (N) availability to plants and reduce nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) leaching in soils. This study was conducted to determine the influence of the zeolite mineral Clinoptilolite (CL) additions on NO3-N and ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N) in two common Pacific Northwest soils. The effects of CL application rate (up to 26.9 Mg ha-1) either band applied or mixed with a set rate of nitrogen (N) fertilizer on masses of NO3-N and NH4-N in leachate and soil was investigated in a column study using a Portneuf silt loam (coarse-silty mixed mesic Durixerollic Caliciorthid) and a Wolverine sand (Mixed, frigid Xeric Torripsamment). All treatments for each soil received a uniform application of N from urea fertilizer, with fertilizer banded or mixed with CL. In the Portneuf soil, band application of CL and N contained 109% more total inorganic N (NO3-N + NH4-N) in the soil/leachate system compared to mixing. In both soils, CL application rate influenced the quantity of NO3-N and NH4-N in the leachate and soil. Application of CL at rates of 6.7 to 13.4 Mg ha-1 resulted in the conservation of inorganic N in the soils. Band applying CL and N appears to conserve available inorganic N in the soil compared to mixing CL and N possibly due to decreased rates of microbial immobilization, nitrification and denitrification.

Item Type:	Article
NWISRL Publication Number:	1401
Subjects:	Practical farm efficiency Soil > Chemistry > Nitrogen Soil
Depositing User:	Users 6 not found.
Date Deposited:	29 Jul 2011 17:45
Last Modified:	29 Jul 2011 17:46
Item ID:	1431
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/1431