Impact of Zeolites on Growth Dynamics of Medicago sativa and Lactuca sativa in Hydroponics

Doszhanov Y. Akhmetzhanova D. Fernandez Velasco L. Khamitova K. Zhumazhanov A. Arifzade E. Saurykova K. Sabitov A. Mansurov Z. Atamanov M. Bolatova D. Doszhanov O.
March 2026 Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Plants
2026 #15 Issue 5

This study evaluates the effectiveness of natural zeolite (Shankhanai deposit, Kazakhstan) as a functional hydroponic substrate compared to a commercial foamed-glass control (GrowPlant). Using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), we assessed the growth and metabolic responses of Medicago sativa L. and three cultivars of Lactuca sativa L. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis confirmed that zeolite (particle size 3.70 ± 1.20 mm) possesses a high specific surface area (21.80 m²/g), significantly exceeding the control (0.49 m²/g). This structure ensured superior moisture retention and cation exchange, even after a moderate decrease in surface area to 16.66 m²/g post-cultivation due to organic pore-filling. In M. sativa experiments, zeolite increased seedling viability and promoted a more branched root system compared to the artificial substrate. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) metabolic profiling of L. sativa revealed a significant substrate-driven reprogramming: zeolite increased the relative proportion of fatty acids and their derivatives (up to +51.27% in May King variety roots), suggesting membrane-protective adaptation. Genotype-specific responses were observed, with the Yeralash cultivar showing increased polyol synthesis (+2.93%) for osmoregulation. The results demonstrate that natural zeolite is an efficient, stable substrate for intensive hydroponics, optimizing root development and physiological stability through enhanced nutrient and water management.

alfalfa , environmental safety , food safety , hydroponics , Lactuca sativaL , lettuce , Medicago sativaL , substrates , zeolite

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UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Al Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 al-Farabi Ave., Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Institute of Combustion Problems, 172 Bogenbay Batyr Str., Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Department of Chemistry, Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University, Gogol Str., 114, k. 1, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 al-Farabi Ave., Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Department of Science, International IT University, Manas 34/1, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Department of Automation and Robotics, Almaty Technological University, Tole bi Str. 100, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan

UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Development
Institute of Combustion Problems
Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
Department of Science
Department of Automation and Robotics

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Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026