Zeolites: A potential strategy for the solution of current environmental problems and a sustainable application for crop improvement and plant protection
Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Vegetables and Ornamental Crops, Via dei Fiori, 8, 51012 Pescia (PT), Italy.
Review Article
GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 2023, 17(01), 011–022
Article DOI: 10.30574/gscarr.2023.17.1.0388
Publication history:
Received on 08 August 2023; revised on 05 October 2023; accepted on 7 October 2023
Abstract:
In the light of current justified international concerns about pollution caused by both greenhouse gases and by current agricultural practices, as well as the management of livestock manure, zeolite rocks with a prevalent zeolite content (a mineral endowed with peculiar chemical-physical properties), are widely used worldwide. They have a high extraction potential and represent an effective and scientifically proven means of pollution control. Moreover, based on the results of countless laboratory and field experiments, zeolites (in particular Italian chabazite) rich in potassium (K) but low in sodium (Na) and with high drainage and water retention properties, have an effective potential for environmental protection, reduction of fertilizers and irrigation water, and increase of agronomic production. In agriculture and horticulture, in particular, the permanent correction of agricultural soils and growing media with appropriate amounts of zeolites makes it possible to reduce the input of synthetic fertilizers and water as well, in order to substantially increase yields in quantity and quality. However, there are few scientific articles describing the use of zeolite in agriculture and its benefits for farmers. This review is aimed at gaining a better insight into the application of zeolites in agriculture, particularly in difficult climatic situations, and to provide more information on how these minerals can ensure both the reduction of the use of fertilizers and the increase of plant protection. In addition, details and explanations are provided on the term 'zeolitite' used in order to ensure higher quality agricultural products.
Keywords:
Biofertilisers; Corroborant; Plant quality; Rhizosphere; Sustainable agriculture; Zeolites
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Copyright © 2023 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0
