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Zeolite Amendment effect on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth, physiology and soil properties under sewage and clean water Irrigation

ABSTRACT

Wheat is an essential crop with great significance in human nutrition. Experiment will be performed in agrimony field area, KFUEIT. Zeolite amendments i.e., 0,5,10,15,20 kg/acre will be applied with fresh ground water as well as sewerage water making total 10 treatments with 3 replication each with 10 experimental units. Parameters like days taken for germination (days), germination percentage (%), length of shoot (cm), fresh weight of shoot (g), dry weight of shoot (g), total number of tillers, total number of grains each tiller, weight of grains (g), chlorophyll content (SPAD), length of root (cm), diameter of root (mm), root’s fresh weight (g), root’s dry weight (g), and number of roots will be evaluated and recorded data will be statistically analyzed via statistix 8.1.

1 Description of the Research Work

Wheat is an essential crop with great significance in human nutrition. It is  also one of the oldest grains, besides barley, that humans have cultivated for approximately decem milenniuum. Emmer, the first subjugate type of wheat, was cultivated in the Middle East. With the passage of time, the cultivation of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (Erenstein et al., 2022). We, humans, Approximately consume two out of three of wheat grains grown, with the remainder is used for other purposes like animal consumption and commercial purposes. It is a vey important outcome of agriculture, offering energy, carbohydrates, protein, fats, fiber, and essential minerals (Kheiralipour et al., 2024).

Wheat is a highly nourishing food, high in protein, minerals, B vitamins, and dietary fiber. It is the primary cereal used in bread making due to its gluten content, which helps dough retain gas and stick together (Kumar et al., 2011). Wheat also offers medicinal benefits: its starch and gluten provide energy, while the inner chaff contains phosphates and mineral salts. The outer chaff offers essential roughage for bowel health, and the germ is a source of vitamins B and E. Additionally, wheat protein supports muscle growth and repair (Kumar et al., 2011).

In 2021, global wheat production reached 788 million Mg across approximately 546 million acres, with a mean return of 1.42 Mg per acre while total wheat demand is  797 million Tons (Kheiralipour et al., 2024).Pakistan as an agriculture dependent country produces 28 MMT of wheat in 2024 i.e., Punjab 21.2 MMT, Sindh 3.8 MMT, KPK 1.4 MMT and Baluchistan 1.6 MMT respectively (USDA, 2024). Approximately 8.8 to 9 million hectare of land was utilized under wheat cultivation (USDA, 2024). Global wheat demand is projected to rise by 26% till the mid of this century to meet the needs of a population which is growing day by day, requiring a 2% annual increase in wheat production. To ensure food security, improving wheat yield performance is essential, especially with production challenges posed by resource depletion, land loss, and climate change (Ouda and Zohry, 2024).

Excessive use of uncontrolled fertilizers and pesticides along with unmanaged soil irrigation methods lead to the destruction of top soil layer thus decrease in crop yield (Gholamhoseini et al., 2013). In Ethiopia, land degradation, driven by the destruction of forests, excessive grazing by animals, excessive tillage, and unendurable farming exercises, leads to significant economic losses. The annual land degradation cost is approximately $4.3 billion, with maize and wheat farms alone contributing to a loss of $162 million (Desta et al., 2021). Yield losses from poor soil conditions pose a significant threat to wheat production and the economic stability of farmers in the U.S. and Canada I.e., Winter wheat yield losses in the United States are estimated to be in between 2.9% to 34.4%, with 25.6% (weighted average), while Canada experienced a 2.9% loss, and the combined loss for both countries was 23.4% (Flessner et al., 2021).

Practice of adding amendments like manure as well as wheat husk to soil to maintain its structure were carried out in past and still have good impacts. Land application of sewage sludge recycles organic matter and essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, reducing the need for expensive fertilizers. It also improves key soil properties, enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity (Verma et al., 2021). Zeolites are highly effective for soil restoration, improving soil structure, enhancing nutrient and water retention, regulating pH levels, and removing impurities. With a high specific surface area, they significantly improve the soil’s sorption capacity, transforming degraded soils into productive land and benefiting both soil management and environmental health (Kukowska and Szewczuk-Karpisz, 2024).

Urbanization, water shortages, pollution, and the growing demand for food due to the tremendous and uncontrolled increase in population necessitate more efficient usage of irrigation and fertilizer. Holding water along with nutrients in soils enhances yields of crop and decrease risk of watercourse pollution. Zeolites, natural, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive minerals, are increasingly used in agriculture as soil conditioners (Nakhli et al., 2017). They improve soil characteristics, involving percolation rate, water holding capacity (WHC), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Zeolites effectively hold moisture and nutrients like ammonium, phosphate, nitrate, potassium, and sulfate in their porous structure, and are used as slow-release fertilizers (SRFs). Their application boosts water and nutrient use efficiency (WUE and NUE), reducing the risk of water pollution (Nakhli et al., 2017).

 

2 Need and Objectives of research

Increasing population demands higher agricultural efficiency to meet food production needs. As urbanization reduces arable land, efficient cultivation becomes essential for sustaining urban growth. However, achieving high agricultural productivity faces challenges, particularly in irrigation and fertilization practices (Nakhli et al., 2017). Not all soil types are suitable for agriculture; clayey soils hinder water infiltration, while sandy soils cause rapid water drainage. Improving soil properties like infiltration and hydraulic conductivity, especially in light-textured soils, zeolite amendment can enhance water and nutrient retention, boosting irrigation efficiency due to its water retaining, more surface area and ecofriendly nature. Soil structure play important role in high crop yield, for better crop yield soil must contain amendments that can retain dissolved fertilizers in it and make it available for plant use. Despite all of these researches there were still gap to conduct an experiment on effect of zeolite amendment effect on growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), its physiology and properties of soil under sewage and clean water irrigation. This study reveals the effectiveness of ecofriendly zeolite amendment over toxic sludge water i.e., having toxic heavy metals in it. Research objectives are given below.

Objectives:

o   To access the optimum quantity of zeolite amendment for maximum wheat yield.

o   To compare effectiveness of zeolite amendments over sludge water.

 

 

 

 

3 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

            Chen et al. (2017) carried out a 2-year study to assess the effects of zeolite treatment (Z) on lowland rice crop outcome, grade, and N utilization. Sticky paddy (cv. Gangyu 6) was grown on light loamy soil under varying nitrogen applications (0, 52.5, 105.0, and 157.5 kg N ha⁻¹) and Zeolite application dosage (0, 5, 10, 15 t Z ha⁻¹). That study found that Zeolite application increased the available nitrogen by 14.2% to 35.8% in the soil after harvesting is completed and exchangeable potassium by 20.1% to 44.6%. Additionally, efficiency of N fertilizer improved in between 39.0% to 64.4%, and efficiency of recovery of nitrogen increased in between 20.7% to 85.2%. The protein level of Rice increased with application of zeolite, although the refining process, physical traits, and palatability remain unaffected. The enhanced yield was attributed to better availability of vital compounds, which minimize unproductive tillers and increased the productive tiller count per meter squared. These benefits were sustained for minimum one year after the initial Z application.

            Gholamhoseini et al. (2013) experimented to assess the influence of cattle manure mixed with Z and synthetic fertilizers on helianthus annuus production, quality, and water-driven nutrient losses under two watering routines in a semi-arid region of Iran. The study used a blocked random design with two watering treatments (complete irrigation, I₁, and limited irrigation, I₂) and five fertilization strategies. Results showed that decreased irrigation (I₂) causes a significant decrease in yield (dry matter) up to 9% in 2008 and 10% in 2009. Manure along with zeolite application improved crop yield, with the highest protein content of seed recorded in the F5 treatment (urea + CM with 21% zeolite). Peak irrigation water productivity (0.81 kg m⁻³) was recorded with the I₂F₅ applied combination in 2009 and the least was with I₁F₁ (0.48 kg m⁻³). Nitrate leaching was greatest with the I₁F₁ combination (36 kg ha⁻¹) and lowest with I₂F₅ (11 kg ha⁻¹).

            Al-Busaidi et al. (2008) performed a study to assess results of zeolite application on properties of soil along with barley growth under saline irrigation. It was grown on sandy dune soil applied with 1% and 5% Ca- zeolite and irrigated with seawater diluted to 3 and 16 dS m⁻¹ EC. Application of water with 16 dS m⁻¹ saline water reduced 25% height of plant, 44% leaf area and dry weight by 60%. But, zeolite-treated soils showed a significant increase in plant biomass. Zeolite enhanced the water and salt holding capacity of soil. Post-harvest soil study reflects reduced amount of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ in zeolite-treated soils. The 5% zeolite treatment increased Ca²⁺ in stressed plants and boosted iron (Fe²⁺) by 19% and manganese (Mn²⁺) by 10%.

            Głąb et al. (2021) conducted experiments to assess the outcomes of zeolite and biochar on land remediation alongside grass productivity in Cd, Pb, and Zn-contaminated soil. Treatments included zeolite, biochar (350 °C and 550 °C), biochar-zeolite blender and a baseline. Results showed higher biomass in zeolite (0.229 kg DM m⁻²) and biochar-zeolite treatments (0.239 kg DM m⁻²) compared to the control (0.029 kg DM m⁻²). Zeolite significantly increased  the biomass of root (2.30 mg cm⁻³). It also increased the length of root (76.61 cm cm⁻³) compared to treatments zeolite was not used (0.29 mg cm⁻³ and 6.90 cm cm⁻³).  The Biochar had little effect on root morphology, with only slight reductions in root diameter for cocksfoot and tall fescue.

            Sun et al. (2019) performed an experiment for appraising influence of Clinoptilolite zeolite (Z) at volatilization of ammonia (NH₃), nitrogen leaching, yield of rice, water productivity (WP), and economical benefits by applying 2 watering treatments:  firstly Continuously Flooded (CF); secondly Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). This study was conducted over two years with three Z application amounts (0, 5, 10 t Z ha⁻¹) in a split-plot design. Evaluation reflects AWD lightly decreases volatilization of ammonia in absence of zeolite. And raised residual mineral N (RMN) and N leaching compared to CF. Adding 5 and 10 t Z ha⁻¹ boosted RMN up to 12% and 21% in the soil depth of 0–30 cm, respectively, but decreased it by 18% and 32% in the depth of 30–60 cm. Zeolite amendment decreased ammonia volatilization and Nitrogen leaching while promoting nitrogen uptake, yield of rice grain, and WP, specifically under the AWD. During the time of study, rice yield was increased by using 10 t Z ha⁻¹ and WP by $126–195 ha⁻¹ in comparison of CF without zeolite, showing that Z could enhance rice production systems.

            Shahbaz et al. (2019) performed an experiment to evaluate the impact of biochar (BR) and zeolite (ZL) amendments along with combination of proline (PN) foliar application at wheat tolerance to nickel (Ni) toxicity and Ni accumulation in Ni-rich soil affected by electroplating wastewater. Experimental factors included controlled, BR, ZL, combination (BR50% + ZL50%), with and without PN spray. Results showed that the last one (blended treatment) considerably fix nickel in soil and also lessened nickel deposition in wheat shoots, roots, and grains, and improved photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant activities, grain biochemistry, and yield compared to the control. The PN spray had promoting effect, improving plant’s capacity to remove reactive oxygen species (ROS), blocking lipid peroxidation, and increasing resilience to Ni stress.

            Baddour and El-Kafrawy (2020) performed an experiment assessing the impact of zeolite soil addition at maize growth and yield under different irrigation intervals. The study included two main treatments: Z₀ (absence of zeolite, control) and Z₁ (presence of zeolite at 10 Mg ha⁻¹), combined with three watering phases: I₁ (every 12 days, traditional waternig), I₂ (every 14 days), and I₃ (every 16 days, deficit watering). The research followed a split-plot design and had three replications. Key measurements included biochemical parameters (total chlorophyll, phenols, proline) and plant height (vegetative growth), in addition to quantitative (e.g., number of grains per ear, yield) along with qualitative yield traits (protein, carbohydrates, and oil). Results showed that zeolite addition (Z₁) with a 14-day irrigation interval (I₂) improved both quantitative and qualitative yield compared to the control with traditional irrigation. The analysis of the given soil after harvesting showed that zeolite improved properties of soil such as bulk density, total porosity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and field capacity (FC).

 4 Material and Methods

Experiment will be performed in Agronomy field area, under RCBD conditions. Wheat cultivar (xxxxx) seed will be obtained from (xxxxxxxxxxx). Five treatment level of zeolite including control (0,5,10,15,20 kg/acr) will be applied to crop via fresh ground water as well as sewerage water separately and results will be cross compared. There will be 3 replication and 10 observation units in each replication in each treatment. Total treatments area shown below.

            Control = T₀ = 0 kg/acre + Fresh ground water

            Treatment 1 = T₁ = 5 kg/acre + Fresh ground water

            Treatment 2 = T₂ = 10 kg/acre + Fresh ground water

            Treatment 3 = T₃ = 15 kg/acre + Fresh ground water

Treatment 4 = T₄ = 20 kg/acre + Fresh ground water

Treatment 5 = T₅ = 0 kg/acre + sewerage water

Treatment 6 = T₆ = 5 kg/acre + sewerage water

            Treatment 7 = T₇ = 10 kg/acre + sewerage water

            Treatment 8 = T₈ = 15 kg/acre + sewerage water

Treatment 9 = T₉ = 20 kg/acre + sewerage water

 

Parameters:

Following parameters will be examined and data will be collected:

Days taken for germication (days)

Germination percentage (%)

Length of shoot (cm)

Shoot fresh weight (g)

Shoot dry weight (g)

Number of tillers

Number of grains per tiller

Weight of grains (g)

Chlorophyll content (SPAD)

Length of root (cm)

Diameter of root (mm)

Root’s fresh weight (g)

Root’s dry weight (g)

Number of roots

Statistical analysis

Data of wheat parameters will be collected and statistically analyzed via statistics 8.1 (Steel et al., 1997)

 

1 Description of the Research Work

Wheat is an essential crop with great significance in human nutrition. It is  also one of the oldest grains, besides barley, that humans have cultivated for approximately decem milenniuum. Emmer, the first subjugate type of wheat, was cultivated in the Middle East. With the passage of time, the cultivation of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (Erenstein et al., 2022). We, humans, Approximately consume two out of three of wheat grains grown, with the remainder is used for other purposes like animal consumption and commercial purposes. It is a vey important outcome of agriculture, offering energy, carbohydrates, protein, fats, fiber, and essential minerals (Kheiralipour et al., 2024).

Wheat is a highly nourishing food, high in protein, minerals, B vitamins, and dietary fiber. It is the primary cereal used in bread making due to its gluten content, which helps dough retain gas and stick together (Kumar et al., 2011). Wheat also offers medicinal benefits: its starch and gluten provide energy, while the inner chaff contains phosphates and mineral salts. The outer chaff offers essential roughage for bowel health, and the germ is a source of vitamins B and E. Additionally, wheat protein supports muscle growth and repair (Kumar et al., 2011).

In 2021, global wheat production reached 788 million Mg across approximately 546 million acres, with a mean return of 1.42 Mg per acre while total wheat demand is  797 million Tons (Kheiralipour et al., 2024).Pakistan as an agriculture dependent country produces 28 MMT of wheat in 2024 i.e., Punjab 21.2 MMT, Sindh 3.8 MMT, KPK 1.4 MMT and Baluchistan 1.6 MMT respectively (USDA, 2024). Approximately 8.8 to 9 million hectare of land was utilized under wheat cultivation (USDA, 2024). Global wheat demand is projected to rise by 26% till the mid of this century to meet the needs of a population which is growing day by day, requiring a 2% annual increase in wheat production. To ensure food security, improving wheat yield performance is essential, especially with production challenges posed by resource depletion, land loss, and climate change (Ouda and Zohry, 2024).

Excessive use of uncontrolled fertilizers and pesticides along with unmanaged soil irrigation methods lead to the destruction of top soil layer thus decrease in crop yield (Gholamhoseini et al., 2013). In Ethiopia, land degradation, driven by the destruction of forests, excessive grazing by animals, excessive tillage, and unendurable farming exercises, leads to significant economic losses. The annual land degradation cost is approximately $4.3 billion, with maize and wheat farms alone contributing to a loss of $162 million (Desta et al., 2021). Yield losses from poor soil conditions pose a significant threat to wheat production and the economic stability of farmers in the U.S. and Canada I.e., Winter wheat yield losses in the United States are estimated to be in between 2.9% to 34.4%, with 25.6% (weighted average), while Canada experienced a 2.9% loss, and the combined loss for both countries was 23.4% (Flessner et al., 2021).

Practice of adding amendments like manure as well as wheat husk to soil to maintain its structure were carried out in past and still have good impacts. Land application of sewage sludge recycles organic matter and essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, reducing the need for expensive fertilizers. It also improves key soil properties, enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity (Verma et al., 2021). Zeolites are highly effective for soil restoration, improving soil structure, enhancing nutrient and water retention, regulating pH levels, and removing impurities. With a high specific surface area, they significantly improve the soil’s sorption capacity, transforming degraded soils into productive land and benefiting both soil management and environmental health (Kukowska and Szewczuk-Karpisz, 2024).

Urbanization, water shortages, pollution, and the growing demand for food due to the tremendous and uncontrolled increase in population necessitate more efficient usage of irrigation and fertilizer. Holding water along with nutrients in soils enhances yields of crop and decrease risk of watercourse pollution. Zeolites, natural, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive minerals, are increasingly used in agriculture as soil conditioners (Nakhli et al., 2017). They improve soil characteristics, involving percolation rate, water holding capacity (WHC), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Zeolites effectively hold moisture and nutrients like ammonium, phosphate, nitrate, potassium, and sulfate in their porous structure, and are used as slow-release fertilizers (SRFs). Their application boosts water and nutrient use efficiency (WUE and NUE), reducing the risk of water pollution (Nakhli et al., 2017).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Need and Objectives of research

Increasing population demands higher agricultural efficiency to meet food production needs. As urbanization reduces arable land, efficient cultivation becomes essential for sustaining urban growth. However, achieving high agricultural productivity faces challenges, particularly in irrigation and fertilization practices (Nakhli et al., 2017). Not all soil types are suitable for agriculture; clayey soils hinder water infiltration, while sandy soils cause rapid water drainage. Improving soil properties like infiltration and hydraulic conductivity, especially in light-textured soils, zeolite amendment can enhance water and nutrient retention, boosting irrigation efficiency due to its water retaining, more surface area and ecofriendly nature. Soil structure play important role in high crop yield, for better crop yield soil must contain amendments that can retain dissolved fertilizers in it and make it available for plant use. Despite all of these researches there were still gap to conduct an experiment on effect of zeolite amendment effect on growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), its physiology and properties of soil under sewage and clean water irrigation. This study reveals the effectiveness of ecofriendly zeolite amendment over toxic sludge water i.e., having toxic heavy metals in it. Research objectives are given below.

Objectives:

o   To access the optimum quantity of zeolite amendment for maximum wheat yield.

o   To compare effectiveness of zeolite amendments over sludge water.

 

 

 

 

3 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

            Chen et al. (2017) carried out a 2-year study to assess the effects of zeolite treatment (Z) on lowland rice crop outcome, grade, and N utilization. Sticky paddy (cv. Gangyu 6) was grown on light loamy soil under varying nitrogen applications (0, 52.5, 105.0, and 157.5 kg N ha⁻¹) and Zeolite application dosage (0, 5, 10, 15 t Z ha⁻¹). That study found that Zeolite application increased the available nitrogen by 14.2% to 35.8% in the soil after harvesting is completed and exchangeable potassium by 20.1% to 44.6%. Additionally, efficiency of N fertilizer improved in between 39.0% to 64.4%, and efficiency of recovery of nitrogen increased in between 20.7% to 85.2%. The protein level of Rice increased with application of zeolite, although the refining process, physical traits, and palatability remain unaffected. The enhanced yield was attributed to better availability of vital compounds, which minimize unproductive tillers and increased the productive tiller count per meter squared. These benefits were sustained for minimum one year after the initial Z application.

            Gholamhoseini et al. (2013) experimented to assess the influence of cattle manure mixed with Z and synthetic fertilizers on helianthus annuus production, quality, and water-driven nutrient losses under two watering routines in a semi-arid region of Iran. The study used a blocked random design with two watering treatments (complete irrigation, I₁, and limited irrigation, I₂) and five fertilization strategies. Results showed that decreased irrigation (I₂) causes a significant decrease in yield (dry matter) up to 9% in 2008 and 10% in 2009. Manure along with zeolite application improved crop yield, with the highest protein content of seed recorded in the F5 treatment (urea + CM with 21% zeolite). Peak irrigation water productivity (0.81 kg m⁻³) was recorded with the I₂F₅ applied combination in 2009 and the least was with I₁F₁ (0.48 kg m⁻³). Nitrate leaching was greatest with the I₁F₁ combination (36 kg ha⁻¹) and lowest with I₂F₅ (11 kg ha⁻¹).

            Al-Busaidi et al. (2008) performed a study to assess results of zeolite application on properties of soil along with barley growth under saline irrigation. It was grown on sandy dune soil applied with 1% and 5% Ca- zeolite and irrigated with seawater diluted to 3 and 16 dS m⁻¹ EC. Application of water with 16 dS m⁻¹ saline water reduced 25% height of plant, 44% leaf area and dry weight by 60%. But, zeolite-treated soils showed a significant increase in plant biomass. Zeolite enhanced the water and salt holding capacity of soil. Post-harvest soil study reflects reduced amount of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ in zeolite-treated soils. The 5% zeolite treatment increased Ca²⁺ in stressed plants and boosted iron (Fe²⁺) by 19% and manganese (Mn²⁺) by 10%.

            Głąb et al. (2021) conducted experiments to assess the outcomes of zeolite and biochar on land remediation alongside grass productivity in Cd, Pb, and Zn-contaminated soil. Treatments included zeolite, biochar (350 °C and 550 °C), biochar-zeolite blender and a baseline. Results showed higher biomass in zeolite (0.229 kg DM m⁻²) and biochar-zeolite treatments (0.239 kg DM m⁻²) compared to the control (0.029 kg DM m⁻²). Zeolite significantly increased the biomass of root (2.30 mg cm⁻³). It also increased the length of root (76.61 cm cm⁻³) compared to treatments zeolite was not used (0.29 mg cm⁻³ and 6.90 cm cm⁻³).  The Biochar had little effect on root morphology, with only slight reductions in root diameter for cocksfoot and tall fescue.

            Sun et al. (2019) performed an experiment for appraising influence of Clinoptilolite zeolite (Z) at volatilization of ammonia (NH₃), nitrogen leaching, yield of rice, water productivity (WP), and economical benefits by applying 2 watering treatments: firstly Continuously Flooded (CF); secondly Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). This study was conducted over two years with three Z application amounts (0, 5, 10 t Z ha⁻¹) in a split-plot design. Evaluation reflects AWD lightly decreases volatilization of ammonia in absence of zeolite. And raised residual mineral N (RMN) and N leaching compared to CF. Adding 5 and 10 t Z ha⁻¹ boosted RMN up to 12% and 21% in the soil depth of 0–30 cm, respectively, but decreased it by 18% and 32% in the depth of 30–60 cm. Zeolite amendment decreased ammonia volatilization and Nitrogen leaching while promoting nitrogen uptake, yield of rice grain, and WP, specifically under the AWD. During the time of study, rice yield was increased by using 10 t Z ha⁻¹ and WP by $126–195 ha⁻¹ in comparison of CF without zeolite, showing that Z could enhance rice production systems.

            Shahbaz et al. (2019) performed an experiment to evaluate the impact of biochar (BR) and zeolite (ZL) amendments along with combination of proline (PN) foliar application at wheat tolerance to nickel (Ni) toxicity and Ni accumulation in Ni-rich soil affected by electroplating wastewater. Experimental factors included controlled, BR, ZL, combination (BR50% + ZL50%), with and without PN spray. Results showed that the last one (blended treatment) considerably fix nickel in soil and also lessened nickel deposition in wheat shoots, roots, and grains, and improved photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant activities, grain biochemistry, and yield compared to the control. The PN spray had promoting effect, improving plant’s capacity to remove reactive oxygen species (ROS), blocking lipid peroxidation, and increasing resilience to Ni stress.

            Baddour and El-Kafrawy (2020) performed an experiment assessing the impact of zeolite soil addition at maize growth and yield under different irrigation intervals. The study included two main treatments: Z₀ (absence of zeolite, control) and Z₁ (presence of zeolite at 10 Mg ha⁻¹), combined with three watering phases: I₁ (every 12 days, traditional waternig), I₂ (every 14 days), and I₃ (every 16 days, deficit watering). The research followed a split-plot design and had three replications. Key measurements included biochemical parameters (total chlorophyll, phenols, proline) and plant height (vegetative growth), in addition to quantitative (e.g., number of grains per ear, yield) along with qualitative yield traits (protein, carbohydrates, and oil). Results showed that zeolite addition (Z₁) with a 14-day irrigation interval (I₂) improved both quantitative and qualitative yield compared to the control with traditional irrigation. The analysis of the given soil after harvesting showed that zeolite improved properties of soil such as bulk density, total porosity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and field capacity (FC).

 

4 Material and Methods

Experiment will be performed in Agronomy field area, Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Technology under RCBD conditions. Wheat cultivar (Dilkash-20) seed will be obtained from Punjab Seed Corporation, Punjab, Pakistan. Five treatment level of zeolite including control (0,5,10,15,20 kg/acr) will be applied to crop via fresh ground water as well as sewerage water separately and results will be cross compared. There will be 3 replication and 10 observation units in each replication in each treatment. Total treatments area shown below.

            Control = T₀ = 0 kg/acre + Fresh ground water

            Treatment 1 = T₁ = 5 kg/acre + Fresh ground water

            Treatment 2 = T₂ = 10 kg/acre + Fresh ground water

            Treatment 3 = T₃ = 15 kg/acre + Fresh ground water

Treatment 4 = T₄ = 20 kg/acre + Fresh ground water

Treatment 5 = T₅ = 0 kg/acre + sewerage water

Treatment 6 = T₆ = 5 kg/acre + sewerage water

            Treatment 7 = T₇ = 10 kg/acre + sewerage water

            Treatment 8 = T₈ = 15 kg/acre + sewerage water

Treatment 9 = T₉ = 20 kg/acre + sewerage water

 

Parameters:

Following parameters will be examined and data will be collected:

Days taken for germication (days)

Germination percentage (%)

Length of shoot (cm)

Shoot fresh weight (g)

Shoot dry weight (g)

Number of tillers

Number of grains per tiller

Weight of grains (g)

Chlorophyll content (SPAD)

Length of root (cm)

Diameter of root (mm)

Root’s fresh weight (g)

Root’s dry weight (g)

Number of roots

Statistical analysis

Data of wheat parameters will be collected and statistically analyzed via statistics 8.1 (Steel et al., 1997)

Summary of the research:

Wheat is an essential crop with great significance in human nutrition. Today Pakistan is struggling to produce enough wheat to fulfill its national consumption requirement. Also, we are facing a significant risk of drought-like situations due to global warming in recent times. Therefore, we need to increase per acre yield, keeping in mind to effectively use every drop of available water.  Experiment will be performed in agrimony field area of  Zeolite amendments i.e., 0,5,10, t/ha will be applied with fresh ground water as well as sewerage water making total 6 treatments with 3 replication each with 10 experimental units. Our study will evaluate the effect of treatment combinations on plant height, biomass production, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzymes, proline concentration, water loss through stomata, water use efficiency and grain yield. Collected data will be analyzed with the use of a computer software Statistix 8.1. The study will also elaborate the effects of zeolite amendment on wheat plants including physiological responses and soil conditions under sewage or clean water irrigation. The study will solidify the usefulness of zeolite in nutritional efficiency improvement while mitigating the assimilation of heavy metals and reducing stress which are related to watering in cultivated crop. The results of study would enlighten the path for sustainable agricultural principles’ development by upgrading soil management techniques and ensure the wheat production in many water quality settings.

Introduction: Wheat is an essential crop with great significance in human nutrition. It is also one of the oldest grains, besides barley, that humans have cultivated for approximately decem milenniuum. Emmer, the first subjugate type of wheat, was cultivated in the Middle East. With the passage of time, the cultivation of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) increases (Erenstein et al., 2022). We, humans, approximately consume two out of three of wheat grains grown, with the remainder is used for other purposes like animal consumption and commercial purposes. It is a very important outcome of agriculture, offering energy, carbohydrates, protein, fats, fiber, and essential minerals (Kheiralipour et al., 2024). Wheat is a highly nourishing food, high in protein, minerals, B vitamins, and dietary fiber. It is the primary cereal used in bread making due to its gluten content, which helps dough retain gas and stick together (Kumar et al., 2011). Wheat also offers medicinal benefits: its starch and gluten provide energy, while the inner chaff contains phosphates and mineral salts. The outer chaff offers essential roughage for bowel health, and the germ is a source of vitamins B and E. Additionally, wheat protein supports muscle growth and repair (Kumar et al., 2011). In 2021, global wheat production reached 788 million Mg across approximately 546 million acres, with a mean return of 1.42 Mg per acre while total wheat demand is 797 million Tons (Kheiralipour et al., 2024). Pakistan as an agriculture dependent country produces 28 MMT of wheat in 2024 i.e., Punjab 21.2 MMT, Sindh 3.8 MMT, KPK 1.4 MMT and Baluchistan 1.6 MMT respectively (USDA, 2024). Approximately 8.8 to 9 million hectare of land was utilized under wheat cultivation (USDA, 2024). Global wheat demand is projected to rise by 26% till the mid of this century to meet the needs of a population which is growing day by day, requiring a 2% annual increase in wheat production. To ensure food security, improving wheat yield performance is essential, especially with production challenges posed by resource depletion, land loss, and climate change (Ouda and Zohry, 2024). Excessive use of uncontrolled fertilizers and pesticides along with unmanaged soil irrigation methods lead to the destruction of top soil layer thus decreasing crop yield (Gholamhoseini et al., 2013). In Ethiopia, land degradation, driven by the destruction of forests, excessive grazing by animals, excessive tillage, and unendurable farming exercises, leads to significant economic losses. The annual land degradation cost is approximately $4.3 billion, with maize and wheat farms alone contributing to a loss of $162 million (Desta et al., 2021). Yield losses from poor soil conditions pose a significant threat to wheat production and the economic stability of farmers in the U.S. and Canada I.e., Winter wheat yield losses in the United States are estimated to be in between 2.9% to 34.4%, with 25.6% (weighted average), while Canada experienced a 2.9% loss, and the combined loss for both countries was 23.4% (Flessner et al., 2021). The practice of adding amendments like manure as well as wheat husk to the soil to maintain its structure was carried out in the past and still has good impacts. Land application of sewage sludge recycles organic matter and essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, reducing the need for expensive fertilizers. It also improves key soil properties, enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity (Verma et al., 2021). Zeolites are highly effective for soil restoration, improving soil structure, enhancing nutrient and water retention, regulating pH levels, and removing impurities. With a high specific surface area, they significantly improve the soil’s sorption capacity, transforming degraded soils into productive land and benefiting both soil management and environmental health (Kukowska and Szewczuk-Karpisz, 2024). Urbanization, water shortages, pollution, and the growing demand for food due to the tremendous and uncontrolled increase in population necessitate more efficient usage of irrigation and fertilizer. Holding water along with nutrients in soils enhances the yields of crops and decreases the risk of watercourse pollution. Zeolites, natural, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive minerals, are increasingly used in agriculture as soil conditioners (Nakhli et al., 2017). They improve soil characteristics, involving percolation rate, water holding capacity (WHC), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Zeolite effectively hold moisture and nutrients like ammonium, phosphate, nitrate, potassium, and sulfate in their porous structure, and are used as slow-release fertilizers (SRFs). Their application boosts water and nutrient use efficiency (WUE and NUE), reducing the risk of water pollution (Nakhli et al., 2017). This study will help to examine how wheat crop production is affected by zeolite together with wheat’s biological traits and quality of soil under the implementation of different irrigation methods i.e., sewage and freshwater irrigation. Zeolite is a naturally occurring aluminosilicate mineral that shows a remarkable decrease in heavy metal impacts on crops and significantly increases their water uptake (Hassan et al.,2024). The application of zeolite can help in greatly improving the growth and production of chlorophyll in wheat crops which, ultimately, leads to improved photosynthesis rate (Mahmoud et al, 2023). Moreover, it also plays a positive role in the improvement of the structure of soil by restricting unwanted adsorption of heavy metals rather boosting access to nutrients while sewage water is being used for irrigation (Mondal et al., 2021). This experimental study will help the future researchers in creating more flawless framework of agricultural practices ensuring soils protection and production of healthy food in the given severe water shortage and environmental changes due to unfavorable climate change.

Statement of the Problem:               Increasing population demands higher agricultural efficiency to meet food production needs. As urbanization reduces arable land, efficient cultivation becomes essential for sustaining urban growth. However, achieving high agricultural productivity faces challenges, particularly in irrigation and fertilization practices. Not all soil types are suitable for agriculture; clayey soils hinder water infiltration, while sandy soils cause rapid water drainage. Improving soil properties like infiltration and hydraulic conductivity, especially in light-textured soils, zeolite amendment can enhance water and nutrient retention, boosting irrigation efficiency due to its water retaining, more surface area and ecofriendly nature. Soil structure play important role in high crop yield, for better crop yield soil must contain amendments that can retain dissolved fertilizers in it and make it available for plant use. Despite all of these researches there were still gap to conduct an experiment on effect of zeolite amendment effect on growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), its physiology and properties of soil under sewage and clean water irrigation. This study reveals the effectiveness of ecofriendly zeolite amendment over toxic sludge water i.e., having toxic heavy metals in it.

Research Methodology: Field Layout This study will be conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments and three replications to evaluate zeolite amendment effect on wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) growth, physiology, and soil properties under sewage and clean water irrigation. Wheat cultivar (Dilkash-20) seed will be obtained from Punjab Seed Corporation, Punjab, Pakistan. The experiment will be performed in the Agronomy field area,  RCBD conditions.   Treatments: Treatments will be applied at the appropriate stage of wheat crop growth, usually during the vegetative and early reproductive stages when nutrient and water uptake is high. T1= No Zeolite (ZEO) + normal canal water (NW) T2= 5 t/ha ZEO + NW T3= 10 t/ha ZEO +NW T4= No Zeolite (ZEO) + sewage water (SW) T5= 5 t/ha ZEO + SW T6= 10 t/ha ZEO + SW Applications should be given during the land preparation and irrigation should be applied at critical life stages of wheat.   Data Collection Growth and Yield Parameters At crop’s maturity, A meter rod and a weight balance will be used to note the following mentioned growth and yield characteristics: 1.     Plant height (cm) 2.     Number of tillers per meter square 3.     Spike length (cm) 4.     Number of spikelets per spike 5.     Number of grains per spike 6.     1000-grain weight (g) 7.     Biological yield (kg/acre) 8.     Grain yield (kg/acre)   Crop Growth and Physiological Traits Crop Growth Rate and Relative Growth Rate will be assessed by taking biomasses. Leaf Area Index will be determined by using a portable ‘leaf area meter’. At the blooming stage, Relative Water Content (RWC) will be calculated for sampling using the formula of (Barr & Weatherley, 1962).   RWC (%) = [(FW − DW)/ (TW − DW)] × 100   Where: FW = Fresh weight of leaves DW = Dry weight of leaves TW = Total weight of leaves   The rate of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance will be calculated at the anthesis phase by the Infrared Gas Analyzer (Cl-340 Handheld Photosynthesis System, Camas, WA, USA). the chlorophyll meter (CL-1, Hansatech Instruments Ltd., UK) shall be used to determine the chlorophyll content. The following procedure will be pursued to evaluate nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) uptake by the plant at the anthesis phase. The oven will be used to oven-dried the samples at 650 oC followed by grinding into a fine powder. This fine powder will be sieved to less than 2mm. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) will be used for digestion in this case study (Wolf, 1982) and by using Kjeldahl’s method the use of nitrogen (N) in this case will be determined (Bremner, 1965). Spectrophotometric analysis after digestion with concentrated acid will be done to evaluate phosphorus (P) concentration. A flame photometer will be used to examine potassium (K) concentration. At the phase of anthesis leakage of electric charge from leaves will be examined by using the method evaluated by (Sullivan & Ross, 1979) along with (Zaheer et al., 2022). Distilled H2O will be used to wash the leaves and incubated at 23℃ in test tubes for 24 hours and a vigorously shaking conductivity meter will be used to determine the EC. At the phase of anthesis, for analyzing oxidative stress response of the plant, the standard procedures Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (Nakano & Asada, 1981), will be used alongside the following enzymatic activities, Catalase (CAT) (Vanacker et al., 2000), Peroxidase (POD) (Ghanati et al., 2002), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (Beyer & Fridovich, 1987). Statistical Analysis: The significance of treatment of the collected data will be analyzed with Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Statistix 8.1 software. Significant differences in between treatments will be identified using LSD (Least Significant Difference) test at p ≤ 0.05.   Expected Outcomes: This study is anticipated to lead to elevated growth, yield, and physiological traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop under given irrigation of both types and favorable development in the properties of soil (e.g., cation exchange capacity, improved moisture retention, and upgraded nutrient uptake). It is expected that a significant decrease in heavy metal uptake and heavy metal leachability will be observed after using the zeolite as a soil amendment, which will secure and enhance safe food production all together with improved photosynthetic efficiency with chlorophyll content and resilience towards drought. Moreover, it is expected that an increased activity from beneficial microbes will be seen which will ultimately ensure a lifelong fertile and stable soil. Hence, this research work will add a significant contribution towards the expansion of a sustainable strategy of using soil amendment minimizing the threat to sewage irrigation practice and will encourage efficient resource usage and ecologically responsible agricultural practices in order to support Climate adaptive farming.

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