Effect of Functionally-strengthened Fertilizers on Garlic Growth and Soil Properties

Ammonium- and potassium-loaded zeolite (NK-Z) and other four kinds of environmental friendly fertilizers/agents were applied to characterize their effectiveness on garlic (Allium sativum L.) growth and soil amelioration. Selenium dioxide ($SeO_2$) and germanium dioxide ($GeO_2$) liquid treatments significantly increased selenium (Se) and germanium (Ge) contents in garlic stems, garlic cloves and clove peels. In soil treated with ZBFC, Se contents in garlic stems, cloves, and clove peels was 13.89-, 12.79-, and 10.96-fold higher, respectively, than in the controls. The inorganic contents of plants grown in soil treated with functional strengthened fertilizers were also higher than in plants grown in control soil. Soil treated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) agents exhibited significantly greater spore density and root colonization rate than in untreated soil. The density of chitinolytic microorganisms in soil treated with colloidal chitin was also significantly higher than in untreated soil. The cation exchange capacities (CEC) in ZAFC-, ZBFC-, and ZBF-treated soils was 16.05%, 8.95%, and 8.80% higher than in control soil 28 weeks after sowing.