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Abstract
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This research was conducted to investigate the effects of natural zeolite on vegetative growth, flower and physiological characteristics of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L. ‘Queen’). The experiment was performed as a completely randomized design with six treatments (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 g zeolite/kg soil mixture along with control) and 5 replications. Results indicated that zeolite decreased leaching of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium due to increase in cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil mixture. Application of zeolite in the medium resulted in significant increase in photosynthetic rate, mesophyll efficiency, water use efficiency, chlorophyll content, fresh and dry weights of roots and shoots, leaf area and flower length, but did not significantly affect flower diameter and stomatal conductance. It was concluded that zeolite had a pronounced effect on vegetative growth, flower and physiological characteristics of African marigold. It my be recommended that zeolite being used, as an amendment to soil of ornamental plants such as African marigold to decrease nutrient leaching and irrigation interval.
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