The Effect of Zeolites on Soil and Plant: A Review
Mehmet Ufuk Aslan, Hakan Arslan
Abstract
Zeolites are aluminosilicates with a lattice structure consisting of tetrahedral AlO4 and SiO4 molecules. Due to the lattice structure of zeolites, there are many areas of use from agriculture to industry and studies continue in these areas. In addition, they are used as herbicides, pesticides, and plant nutrient carriers because of their adsorption properties. One of the main issues that is focused is that zeolite, which is loaded with plant nutrients, spreads its content to the soil over time with a slow release mechanism. Even when zeolite is mixed directly with soil, it affects the use of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil. In addition, if there is heavy metal pollution in the soil, it also collects them. Additionally, as a result of research studies, it is seen that zeolite mixed with soil is effective in reducing the negative effects of salinity and drought stress on plants. Zeolites are seen to have positive effects in many areas in the agricultural field. In this review, the use of zeolite in the agricultural field has been investigated in a multifaceted way, and the results of the studies have been compiled.