Evaluation of the effect of zeolite and biochar on yield and other agronomic characteristics, in four varieties of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) grown under net house conditions

Abstract

Zeolite and biochar are two products with potential application for yield enhancement and soil improving. Zeolite has been used in many crops as a soil and foliar applications. Biochar is a relatively recent product used for crop production not been studied adequately. This study presents the evaluation of the effect of zeolite and biochar on yield and other agronomic characteristics, in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivation in a nethouse. The two products were applied in 6 application rates (Zeolite) and 5 rates (Biochar). There was also in each nethouse, a Control area (no application) to be used for comparisons. The location of the experiment was in a sandy loam soil in Kolchiko, Lagkada Municipality. The zucchini varieties used were four [BZ 11045 – RIGAS - BZ 9776 – and BZ 10388] and the planting distances were 1 m X 1 m. The texture size of zeolite was 0-2.5 mm and the biochar was applied in powder form. Hand harvesting was done periodically, in 7-10 days intervals, to measure the number of fruits and the fresh weight of zucchini. Statistical analysis was carried for means comparisons for each product separately. The results demonstrated significant differences of some rates of zeolite and biochar. The trend on the accumulated data and pooled in all varieties shown was that medium rates resulted in higher yields in zeolite, while the higher rates of biochar produced the highest yields. The results on total fruits followed the same trend as the total productivity. The varieties also reacted differently and significant differences in productivity were shown among the four varieties used. This study provided valuable data for the effects of two very promising soil improving materials (zeolite and biochar) and farmers can benefit from the use of each product. The effects of higher rates of zeolite remains to be further evaluated in follow up studies. It is hypothesized that the ‘residual’ effect of the higher rates may become evident in the next years productivity, since it may take more time to be integrated into the top soil.