Experimental study on the effects of natural zeolite on lead toxicity, growth, nodulation, and chemical composition of soybean. Communication in Soil Science and Plant Analysis

Lead is one of the most dangerous contaminants which have been released to the environment during many years by anthropogenic activities. In the present study the effect of zeolite on the Pb toxicity, growth, nodulation and chemical composition of soybean (Glycine max L. var. Williams) was evaluated.A greenhouse study was conducted to investigate the effects of zeolite on Pb toxicity, Growth, Nodulation and Chemical Composition of Soybean (Glycine max L.). Treatments consisted of factorial combination of three levels of zeolite (0, 2 and 5 g kg-1) and three levels of Pb (0, 10 and 25 mg kg-1) with three replicates in a completely randomized design. Pb application significantly decreased shoot and root dry weightPb application decreased shoot and root dry weight. In other hand, addition of zeolite increased shoot dry weight, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu concentrations and the number and dry weight of root nodules. Moreover, the highest value for these parameters was obtained by high level of zeolite application (5g zeolite kg-1 soil). It is suggested that zeolite has positive effects on growth and chemical composition of soybean. and its concentration in plant parts was increased. Moreover, Pb application decreased number and dry weight of nodules, and N, P, K, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations. On the other hand, zeolite application markedly increased number and dry weight of nodules and Fe Cu, Mn concentrations in shoot and , Mn and Cu concentrations in root. The highest level of zeolite and lowest level of Pb caused maximum SDW of soybean plants.

Keywords: zeolite, Pb toxicity, soybean growth, chemical composition