Effects of Types and Amounts of Zeolite on Some Chemical Characteristics of Soil under Saffron Cultivation

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a subtropical plant which is cultivated in Iran so far and its yield is strongly dependent on soil chemical properties. Zeolites are one of the substances which are used to improve soil characteristics and soil correction capability as well. To evaluate the effects of these minerals in some soil chemical properties (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4, HCO3, pH and EC) under saffron cultivation, a study was conducted at completely randomized design with seven treatments at the Agricultural Research Station, University of Birjand during 2012. Factors which examined in this study include type of Zeolites: calcic zeolite (Zca), potasic zeolite (Zk) and z-mix zeolite (Zs) in three levels: zero (Z0), 2 (M2) and 6 (M6) as wt% with 9 replications. These treatments were mixed with soil and were placed in pots with diameter 30 cm and height 35 cm. Soil sampling was done in depth of 10-20 cm at the end of crop season. Also, soil sampling was performed at two other depth layers (0-10 and 20-30 cm) for determination of soil EC. The results showed that the effect of zeolite was significant on bicarbonate concentration in soil solution (P< 0.05). Interaction effect of type and amount of zeolite was significant on Ca, Mg, Cl, HCO3, SO4 concentration in soil solution and pH as well (P< 0.05) and it affected on Na and total cations (P< 0.01), but the amount of Zeolite has no affect.