The Effect Of Zeolite And Vertisol Soil Conditioners On The Growth, Yield, And Water Use Efficiency Of Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) In Sandy Soils

This study examines the effects of zeolite and vertisol soil conditioners on the growth, yield, and water use efficiency of barley in sandy soils. While significant research has explored the use of soil conditioners to improve physical properties and water retention, a gap remains in understanding their comparative effectiveness under different irrigation levels. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three factors: conditioner type (zeolite and vertisol), conditioner level (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%), and irrigation levels (60%, 80%, and 100% of EP). The findings revealed that vertisol significantly outperformed zeolite in enhancing spike length, grain yield, and water use efficiency, particularly at higher conditioner levels. The results suggest that vertisol could be a more effective soil conditioner in sandy soils, providing practical implications for improving agricultural productivity in arid regions.