Yuma Celery Trial using Zeolite by University of Arizona
A trial was conducted in Yuma, Arizona, by Robert Masson, the Yuma County Assistant Ag Agent on evaluating the effects of zeolite-infused compost and untreated control on celery growth and yield under reduced irrigation conditions. 
The key findings of the celery trial conducted in Yuma from October 2024 to March 2025 are as follows:
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Trial Overview:
- The trial compared untreated control (UTC), zeolite treatments (high and low rates), and zeolite-infused compost under reduced water conditions (13.1 inches vs. 20.2 inches in other trials).
- Zeolite drip application was removed after jar tests showed it did not dissolve fully in water.
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Canopy Growth:
- Initial NDVI measurements showed increased canopy growth in the compost treatment compared to UTC.
- Initial NDVI measurements showed increased canopy growth in the compost treatment compared to UTC.
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Yield Measurements:
- Stalk weight was similar across treatments (F value: 0.2115, not significant).
- Stalk circumference improved significantly with compost and high-rate zeolite treatments (F value: 0.0654).
- Stalk length showed no significant differences (F value: 0.4427).
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Post-Harvest Moisture Retention:
- Compost treatment showed higher moisture retention compared to other treatments.
- Compost treatment showed higher moisture retention compared to other treatments.
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Water Usage:
- Reduced irrigation was applied, with total water usage of 13.1 inches for reduced water treatments compared to 20.2 inches for full water treatments.
- Reduced irrigation was applied, with total water usage of 13.1 inches for reduced water treatments compared to 20.2 inches for full water treatments.
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Soil Health:
- Soil health calculations ranged from 3.5 to 4.1, indicating moderate soil health improvement across treatments.
- Soil health calculations ranged from 3.5 to 4.1, indicating moderate soil health improvement across treatments.
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Treatment Efficacy:
- Compost treatment (10 tons/acre) consistently performed better in terms of stalk circumference, moisture retention, and overall growth metrics compared to other treatments.
- Compost treatment (10 tons/acre) consistently performed better in terms of stalk circumference, moisture retention, and overall growth metrics compared to other treatments.
- Recommendations:
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- More moisture probes should be used in future trials to better document water retention in soil.
This trial highlights the potential benefits of zeolite-infused compost in improving celery growth metrics under reduced water conditions.