Influence of Zeolite and Biohumus on the Nitrate Regime and Nitrification Capacity of Meadow-Gray Soils

Abstract

The effect of zeolite and biohumus and their combined effect on the nitrate regime and nitrification capacity of meadow-gray soils have been studied in a stationary field experiment on meadow-gray soils under beans (mung bean). The field experiment has established the highest efficiency of the combined use of organic (biohumus at the rate of 7.5 t/ha) fertilizers and zeolite (7.5 t/ha). The amount of nitrate nitrogen under beans decreased from the initial period of plant growth to the period of biological ripeness. The nitrification capacity of the soil dynamically changed depending on the phase of bean development; this indicator was more intensive in the flowering phase of the plant. The polynomial relationship between the amount of nitrates in the soil and the intensity of the nitrification process was high during the period of the initial development (spring) and period of biological ripeness of the plant (autumn) and weak in summer (during the flowering period). A positive effect of zeolite and biohumus on the content of nitrate nitrogen and the nitrification capacity of the soil has been established; their combined use has also proven to be efficient.