Effect of Natural Zeolite on Wheat Uptake of Copper and Manganese in Contaminated Soils of War Zones

Among the main limitations for growing crops, especially wheat, in soils of the previous war zones is the presence of high concentrations of heavy metals, particularly manganese and copper. These metals enter plant organs and cause toxicity and endanger the food security of the consumers. One of the approaches for modification of these contaminated soils is application of zeolite. The aim of this research was investigation of the effect of natural zeolite on uptake of Cu and Mn from contaminated soils of war zones by wheat. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with three replications for each pot in research field of Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz during 2015-16 crop season. Treatments were four levels of zeolite including: a1) zero, a2) 0.5%, a3) 1.5%, and a4) 2.5 percent of soil weight and two soil samples containing soils contaminated from front lines of war zones (b2) and uncontaminated soils (b1). Results showed that in contaminated soils of war zones, the concentrations of Mn and Cu increased in roots and shoots of wheat, significantly. Also, the application of higher amounts of zeolite significantly reduced the concentration of Cu and Mn and increased root and shoot dry weight.