IMPACT OF AMMONIA-LOADED ZEOLITE ON ITALIAN RYEGRASS GROWTH AND YIELD

The structure of natural zeolite of clinptilolite type is ideal for sorption and ion exchange processes. In this study the infuence of zeolite and ammonia-loaded zeolite on growth and yield of Italian ryegrass (Lolium mullflorum Lam.) was investigated on two types of soil: Planosol and Dystric Cambisol. Pot experiment carried out in greenhouse included four different treatments: a) soil (control); b) soil+zeolite; c) soil+ammonia-loaded zeolite; d) nitrogen application by mineralertilizer; all in 4 replications. Our results show that there is a signicant difference in yields obtained on the two types of soil, but the difference between treatments was not significant up to 3rd cut when the optimal yield was obtained in pots containing ammonia-loaded zeolite. The results are yet to be tested in conditions