Effect of the Particle Size of Clinoptilolite Zeolite on Water Content and Soil Water Storage in a Loamy Sand Soil

Limited water resources in arid and semi-arid regions require innovative management to maintain crop production while minimizing the amounts of used for irrigation. We investigated impact particle size natural clinoptilolite zeolite (CZ) on content (WC) hydraulic properties a loamy sand soil. WC was measured using 5TE sensors installed at five depths (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 cm) soil columns (7.4 cm ID, 56 length). Three sizes macro- nano-CZ particles (20, 2.0, 0.2 µm) were added an application rate 1%. The subject 14 wetting/drying cycles from 24 February 8 December 2020. HYDRUS-1D model simulate storage inside columns. increased with decreasing CZ, especially when long drying periods. larger surface area smaller pore CZ altered pore-size distribution amount microporosity system, leading retention. Available by 3.6–14.7% 6.8–10.5%, respectively, increases decrease size. Variations infiltration conductivity statistically significant only smallest size, reduction 25.6% 19.3% compared control, respectively. accurately simulated storage, slight overestimation (2.4%) ≤ 30 cm. results suggest that, light-textured soils, ultra-fine nanoparticle would increase water-holding capacity reduce conductivity, which enhance efficiency use contribute conservation dry regions.