Maize Root Architecture and Biomass Productivity after Application of Organic and Inorganic Additives in Contaminated Soil

Both inorganic and organic soil amendments serve as pivotal tools for augmenting crop yield and optimising fertilisation efficacy, while enhancing soil physical and biological characteristics, bolstering carbon sequestration, and remedying soil degradation caused by pollutants and salinity. This study was carried out with the specific objective of discerning the impact of various zeolite composites and their mixtures with lignite or leonardite on maize biomass output. To achieve this aim, the following treatments were applied in a controlled pot experiment: zeolite/carbon and zeolite/vermiculite composites mixed with lignite or leonardite, and a control treatment devoid of any amendments. Subsequent analysis encompassed the root morphometric parameters and maize aboveground production. The lowest productivity was characterised for maize without any fertilisers and amendments. The highest aboveground biomass of maize straw was obtained when only mineral fertilisation was applied. Both aboveground and root biomass were at the same level, notwithstanding the soil amendments, zeolite composites or organic amendments. Root morphological parameters, including root dry matter, root length, root surface area, and volume, were influenced by the addition of zeolite/carbon and zeolite/vermiculite composites with organic component. Our research shows the beneficial effect of the applied additives on some morphological properties of the roots. Zeolite/vermiculite composite application increased root surface area and root volume.