The effects of zeolite application on nitrate quantity in soil and the growth of maize plant (Zea mays L.)

Nitrogen losses in agricultural areas cause environmental pollution. At the same time, it reduces the yield in crop production. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of zeolite and nitrogen applications on the development of maize plant. Another aim is to reveal nitrate changes in soil. Everest maize variety was used in the study. Zeolite doses of 0, 125, 250 and 500 kg/da were applied to the soil. Nitrogen doses were applied to the soil at 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg/da. In this study, zeolite and nitrogen applications increased the plant height, cob weight and green forage yield of maize plant statistically. The highest green weed yield was 6563 kg/da in Z3N3 application and the lowest green forage yield was 4021 kg/da in Z0N0 application. Increased nitrogen doses increased the amount of nitrate in soil by significantly 1% and zeolite applications increased by significantly 5%. The results of this study would be beneficial in the application of zeolite to the soil in order to reduce nitrogen losses and to make the plant benefit more from nitrogen.