Investigating zeolite's role in retaining mineral nitrogen fertilizers and the effects of titanium and selenium on garlic plants under water deficit conditions

Ghazi, Dina A; Elsherpiny, Mohamed Atef; Helmy, Amal Abdelhafez

doi:10.21608/ejss.2024.312289.1842

Investigating zeolite's role in retaining mineral nitrogen fertilizers and the effects of titanium and selenium on garlic plants under water deficit conditions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Soil dept. Fac. of Agric Mansoura University , Mansoura . Egypt

² Soil, Water and environment Research Institute, Agric. Res. Center, Egypt

³ Faculty of agriculture

10.21608/ejss.2024.312289.1842

Abstract

This study explores how zeolite can aid in the retention of nitrogen and water and evaluates the effects of selenium and titanium on boosting plant tolerance and nitrogen fixation under drought stress. The aim is to reduce water and mineral nitrogen inputs while enhancing plant growth, resilience and yield. The experimental treatments involved garlic plants subjected to water deficit conditions (80% of irrigation requirements (IR) and 100% of IR (representing the control group) as the main factor. The sub-main factor included different ratios of the Nitrogen Recommended Dose (NRD) combined with a zeolite conditioner: 100% NRD as ammonium sulphate alone, 75% NRD as ammonium sulphate alone, 75% NRD as ammonium sulphate with 5.0 tons of zeolite ha-1 and 5.0 tons of zeolite ha-1 alone. The sub-sub-main factor involved spraying titanium (Ti) and selenium (Se) as beneficial elements and anti-stress agents, including control (without), titanium (5 mg L-1) alone, selenium (5 mg L-1) alone, and a combination of titanium (2.5 mg L-1) and selenium (2.5 mg L-1). Under the irrigation treatment of 80% IR, the combined treatment of 75% NRD with zeolite, Ti, and Se led to significant improvements in garlic growth, leaf chemical constituents, enzymatic antioxidants, and bulb yield compared to the treatment of 100% IR combined with 100% NRD. Overall, the results show that zeolite effectively retains nitrogen and water, improving soil fertility and reducing the need for excessive fertilizers. Selenium and titanium enhance plant resilience to drought, promote nitrogen fixation, and improve plant health. Integrating these elements into agricultural practices can mitigate drought stress and minimize environmental impact. Future research should assess the long-term effects across various crops and conditions to develop sustainable agricultural strategies.

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