The application effects of natural zeolite on soil runoff, soil drainage and some chemical soil properties in arid land area

Abstract

In many arid and semi-arid regions of the world, water deficiency is becoming a major limitation for sustainable regional development. Applying zeolite to the soil can improve its ability to hold nutrients and water. The main aim of this study was to investigate the humidity and ions uptake by natural zeolite when used as an ingredient during the irrigation with rainfall. A rainfall simulator was used to evaluate the impact of natural zeolite on soil properties and soil infiltration rate. The studied parameters were three level of zeolite application (0%, 10% and 20% of zeolite) and two level of rainfall intensity (10 and 15 mm/h). Runoff and soil sample were analyzed for total EC (Electrical conductivity), soil water content, and ions concentration in two soil columns one treated with zeolite, other one untreated soil columns. The results show that infiltration rate and soil water content significantly increased in soil treated with zeolite, compared with the untreated soil. A significant decrease in runoff volume, drained water volume and sediment amount was observed after application of zeolite (P<0.01). The amounts of Ca, Na, and K were increased significantly in the soil treated with zeolite compared to no treated soil (P<0.01). No significant differences were observed between treated and control soils for pH (P<0.05).