The Effect of Zeolite on Aggregate Stability Indices

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• F. Sohrab
• N. Abbasi
• A. Mahdipour

Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj

10.22067/jsw.v0i0.31086

Abstract

Introduction: Soil structural stability affects the profitability and sustainability of agricultural systems. Particle size distribution (PSD) and aggregate stability are the important characteristics of soil. Aggregate stability has a significant impact on the development of the root system, water and carbon cycle and soil resistance against soil erosion. Soil aggregate stability, defined as the ability of the aggregates to remain intact when subject to a given stress, is an important soil property that affects the movement and storage of water, aeration, erosion, biological activity and growth of crops. Dry soil aggregate stability (Mean Weight Diameter (MWD), Geometric Mean Diameter (GMD)) and Wet Aggregate Stability (WAS) are important indices for evaluating soil aggregate stability.To improve soil physical properties, including modifying aggregate, using various additives (organic, inorganic and chemicals), zeolites are among what has been studied.According to traditional definition, zeolites are hydratealuminosilicates of alkaline and alkaline-earth minerals. Their structure is made up of a framework of[SiO4]−4 and [AlO4]−5 tetrahedron linked to each other's cornersby sharing oxygen atoms. The substitution of Si+4 by Al+3 intetrahedral sites results inmore negative charges and a high cation exchange capacity.Zeolites, as natural cation exchangers, are suitable substitutes to remove toxic cations. Among the natural zeolites,Clinoptilolite seems to be the most efficient ion exchanger and ion-selective material forremoving and stabilizing heavy metals.Due to theexisting insufficient technical information on the effects of using different levels of zeolite on physical properties of different types of soils in Iran, the aim of this research was to assess the effects of two different types of zeolite (Clinoptilolite natural zeolite, Z4, and Synthetic zeolite, A4) on aggregate stability indicesof soil.
Materials and Methods: In this study at first, after preparation of two different types of soil with light and medium texture and doing identification tests such as determination of gradation and hydrometer tests and Atterberg limits, zeolite in four levels, 0 (control), 1%, 5%, and 10%w/w, was mixed with two soil textures (sandy loam and silty loam) in three replications. Then, each treatment was saturated for 48 hours in each month, during 6 months. Dry soil aggregate stability (Mean Weight Diameter (MWD), Geometric Mean Diameter (GMD), and Wet Aggregate Stability (WAS)), were determined. The experiment was carried out using factorial method in a randomized complete design.
Results and Discussion:The results showed that, in sandy loam texture, there was no significant difference between two types of zeolites, their level of using and their interaction on MWD (p

Keywords

• Geometric Mean Diameter
• Mean weight diameter
• Wet Aggregate Stability
• Zeolite

20.1001.1.20084757.1394.29.3.14.1

---

References

1- Andry H., Yamamoto T. and Inoue M. 2009. Influence of Artificial Zeolite and Hydrated LimeAmendments on the Erodibility of an Acidic Soil. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 40: 1053–1072.

2- Ansari Mahabadi A., Hajabbasi M. A., Khademi H. and Kazemian H. 2007. Soil cadmium stabilization using an Iranian natural Zeolite. Geoderma, 137: 388–393.

3- Barthes B. G., KouoaKouoa E., Larre-Larrouy M. C., Razafimbelo T. M., de Luca E. F., Azontonde A., Neves C. S., de Freitas P. L. and Feller C. L. 2008. Texture and sesquioxide effects on water stable aggregates and organic matter in some tropical soils. Geoderma, 143:14-25.

4- Benkova M., Filcheva E., Raytchev T., Sokolowska Z. and Hajnos M. 2005. Impact of different ameliorants on humus state in acid soil polluted with heavy metals. P. 46-58. In: Raytchev, T., G. Jozefaciuk., Z, Sokołowska, and M. Hajnos (eds), Physicochemical management of acid soils polluted with heavy metals. ALF-GRAF. Lublin. Poland.

5- Boroghani M., Mirnia S. Kh. and Vahhabi J. 2013. Effect of Nanozeolite on Decreasing Runoff Using FEL3 Rainfall Simulator at Different Slope. Journal of Water and Soil Conservation, 20(2): 241-248. (in Persian with English abstract)

6- Bronick C. J. and Lal R. 2005. Manuring and rotation effects on soil organic carbon concentration for different aggregate size fractions on two soils in northeastern Ohio. USA, Soil Tillage. Research, 81: 239-252.

7- Denef K., Six J., Paustian K. and Merckx R. 2001. Importance of macroaggregate dynamics in controlling soil carbon stabilization: short-term effects of physical disturbance induced by dry-wet cycles. Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 33: 2145-2153.

8- Eynard A., Schumacher T. E., Lindstrom M. J. and Malo D. D. 2004. Aggregate sizes and stability in cultivated South Dakota Prairie Ustolls and Usterts. Soil ScienceSocity. American Journal, 68: 1360–1365.

9- Geebelen W., Vangronsveld J., Adriano D. C., Carleer R. and Clijsters H. 2002. Amendment-induced immobilization of lead in a lead-spiked soil: Evidence from phytotoxicity studies. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 140: 261–277.

10- Judy Z. and MovahediNaeini S. A. R. 2007. Effects of Leca, Zeolite and Compost on Soil Moisture and Evaporation. Journal of Agricultural Science Nature Recourses, 14(2): 31-42. (in Persian with English abstract)

11- Kazemian H. 2004. Literature on Zeolites. 1st Edition. Behesht Publish. Tehran, Iran.

12- Kemper W. D. and Rosenau R. C. 1986. Aggregate stability and size distribution. In: Methods of soil analysis. Part 1: physical and mineralogical methods. A. Klute (Eds) (Monograph no. 9, 2ndedn). ASA, Madison, Wis, America.

13- Klute A. 1986. Methods of soil analysis- Part 1, Madison, Wisconsin, USA,1188p

14- Lal R. 1998. Soil quality and agricultural sustainability. Ann Arbor Press, Chelsea, Michigan, 3-12.

15- Le Bissonnais Y. 1996. Aggregate stability and assessment of soil crustability and erodibility, Theory and practice, Euro. Journal of Soil Science, 47(11): 425-437.

16- Mumpton F. A. and Ormsby W. C. 1978. Morphology of zeolites insedimentary rocks by scanning electron microscopy. P: 113–125. In: Natural Zeolites: Occurrence, Properties, Use؛ Sand, L. B., Mumpton, F. A.(eds), Pergamon Press: Elmsford, NY.

17- Seybold C. A. and Herrick J. E. 2001. Aggregate stabilitykit for soil quality assessment. Catena, 44(1): 37-45.

18- Skaggs T. H., Arya L. M., Shouse P. J. and Mohanty B. P. 2001. Estimating particle size distribution from limited soil texture data. Soil Science Society American Journal, 65:1038-1044.

19- Topp G. C., Reynolds W. D. and Carter M. R. 1997. Physical attributes of soil quality. In: Gregorich, E. G. and M. R. Carter, (Eds), Soil Quality for Crop Production and Ecosystem Health, PP. 81-114, Elsevier Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.