How organic and chemical nitrogen fertilizers, zeolite, and combinations influence wheat yield and grain mineral content

Nitrate leaching from agricultural soils represents substantial losses of N from fertilizer. Nitrogen leaching in sandy soil decreases fertilizer efficiency and can depress crop production. Materials with high cation-exchange capacity are hypothesized to reduce N leaching and increase N uptake in sandy soils. This randomized complete-block design study evaluated the influence of chemical, organic, and integrated fertilizer treatments and natural zeolite on growth, yield, and grain mineral content of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown on sandy soils. Supply of N by urea and composted cattle manure amended with 10% (w/w) zeolite increased wheat growth, yield, and yield components. Similar results were obtained when zeolite was applied directly to soil. The highest grain Zn, Fe, and Mn contents were achieved in plots treated only with organic fertilizers. Chemical plots produced the highest N and protein content. Integrated fertilizer treatments amended with zeolite are an effective and environmentally sound method to improve wheat yield.