Research Specifications

Water is one of the most limiting factors in crop production worldwide. Zeolites are microporous, aluminosilicate minerals commonly used as commercial adsorbents and catalysts. This mineral is found almost in all regions of Iran. The most famous and abundant type of zeolites called clinoptilolite which has been discovered in 1890. Zeolite application into the soil leads to increase water retention capacity. In addition, zeolite acts as a chemical sieve allowing some ions to pass through while blocking others. In order to study the effects of water stress with zeolite application on growth and yield of Ziziphora tenuior L., a research was conducted in a poor and dry land with zeolite application at the rate of 0 and 9 ton ha-1. The plants were harvested 90 days after imposing the treatments. The results demonstrated that zeolite application increased the yield and essential oil content. The highest essential oil content and yield per hectare were obtained 0.6 % and 5.40 kg, respectively, and 910 kg.ha-1 plant dry weight with application of 9 ton ha-1 zeolite. Zeolite application improves yield, growth and essential oil content of Ziziphora tenuior L. in poor, sandy and dry soils [1].