Effects of water deficit and Zeolite application on some soil properties and growth parameters of Halothamnus glaucus in arid land ecosystems

Various soil amendments have been introduced to increase soil water storage in the arid regions. A factorial research with completely randomized design with 25 replications was carried out to evaluate the effects of three amount of Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) (0، 10 and 15 wt%) and two irrigation intervals (every 30 and 60 days) on the growth characteristics of Halothamnus glaucus and soil properties in Emrani area located in Gonabad- Iran. The results indicated that the application of at least 10 wt% of Zeolite in the soil¸ increases the height of H. glaucus، CEC، Potassium and plant available water 12. 5%، 27. 9%، 26. 4% and 36. 2% respectively. According to the results، the “60 days interval” irigation treatment with the use of at least 10 wt % Zeolite had no significant effect on the establishment of H. glaucus. This study indicated that the Zeolite extracted from frequent and available mines can be used efficiently to reduce water stress in plants and enhance plant growth in arid ecosystems and combating desertification programs in Iran.