Comparison between sterilized zeolite and natural zeolite in the Cactus Pear (Opuntia Ficus-Indica L. Mill.) growing

In this experiment it was determined whether the capacities of zeolites are influenced by the microbial colonies that are present in the soil, which can with their activity increase the interactions between roots, zeolites and soil. The microorganisms have the ability to lower the pH of the substrate and soil and can determine a solubilization of the mineral elements contained, which are more absorbed by plants. The experimental groups were: i) group without zeolites, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; ii) group with natural chabazite and fertilised substrate; iii) group with sterilized chabazite and fertilised substrate. The zeolite was sterilized at high pressure saturated steam at 121 ° C for about 20 minutes. The theses treated with natural chabazite showed an improvement of all agronomic parameters analyzed on Opuntia ficus-indica plants, fruit characteristics and mineral content in the three cultivars Sulfarina, Sanguigna and Muscaredda. Natural chabazite gave better results than sterilized chabazite and untreated control, demonstrating that indeed the presence of the biotic component of zeolite plays a fundamental role in the interactions between zeolite and plant. All these aspects are very important for growers because the use of zeolites, especially natural chabazite, guarantees the possibility to reduce the amount of fertilizers in the substrates and to optimize irrigation while obtaining quality plants that grow better, produce more and suffer less.