Comparison of Zeolite (Clinoptilolite) with Diatomite and Pumice as Soil Conditioners in Agricultural Soils

Abstract

In this study, natural origin diatomite and pumice were compared with zeolite ( clinoptilolite) as soil conditioners in agricultural soils in terms of the effects on various physical properties of soil. It is found in this study that diatomite, pumice and zeolite have same and/or more efficient on different physical properties of soils investigated. The field capacity increased between 5.6% and 21.10% for zeolite, between 2.2% and 16.86% for diatomite and between 2.2% and 30.10% for pumice in all soil types. Among the soil type, the highest increase in field capacity was measured in N7 soil with with a medium-coarse textured. The wilting point was affected by all applications and the highest increase was measured in zeolite applications according to diatomite and pumice applications. The standard variations were not observed for bulk density, particle density, porosity and hydraulic conductivity. N5 soil, the silty clay loam soil class reduces the bulk density more effectively than zeolite and pumice. Diatomite and pumice have the same efficient as zeolite on improving field capacity, wilting point, and bulk density; and reducing porosity and hydraulic conductivity of medium-fine textured soil N3. To reduce the hydraulic conductivity of N7 soil from sandy loam soil, zeolite and pumice were determined to be used as soil conditioners. Therefore, it was determined that diatomite and pumice can be used in organic farming in the same manner as zeolite (clinoptilolite).