Summary
This field trial evaluated the short-term effects of zeolite soil amendment (0, 5, and 7.5 t ha−1) combined with inorganic nitrogen fertilisation (0, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha−1) on maize productivity and resource-use efficiency across three locations in Greece during the 2024 growing season. Both zeolite application and nitrogen fertilisation increased grain yield, with the highest yields (13.46–14.83 t ha−1) observed at maximum zeolite and nitrogen rates, alongside improvements in soil properties, plant development, nitrogen uptake, and water-use efficiency. The findings suggest that zeolite amendment can be used as a complementary soil management practice to optimise nitrogen fertiliser responses in Mediterranean clay–loam soils.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Greece under Mediterranean conditions; direct transferability to United Kingdom climates, soils, and rainfall patterns may be limited, as UK growing conditions, soil types, and water availability differ substantially from Mediterranean regions. However, the principles of zeolite amendment for enhancing nitrogen fertiliser efficiency and soil water retention may warrant investigation in UK arable systems, particularly in drier regions or on compacted clay soils.
Key measures
Grain yield (t ha−1), soil organic matter, soil total nitrogen, total porosity, soil moisture content, infiltration rate, root length density, plant height, leaf area index, dry weight, nitrogen content and uptake, thousand kernel weight, nitrogen harvest index (NHI), water use efficiency (WUE)
Outcomes reported
The study measured grain yield, soil properties (organic matter, total nitrogen, porosity, moisture, infiltration), root and shoot growth metrics, nitrogen content and uptake, biomass production, thousand kernel weight, nitrogen harvest index, and water-use efficiency of maize under varying zeolite and inorganic nitrogen treatments.
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