Laboratory Assessment of Nostoc 9v (Cyanobacteria) Effects on N2 Fixation and Chemical Fertility of Degraded African Soils

The potential of Nostoc 9v for improving the nitrogen (N)₂–fixing capacity and nutrient status of semi‐arid soils from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa was studied in a laboratory experiment. Nostoc 9v was inoculated on nonsterilized and sterilized soils. Inoculum rates were 2.5 mg dry biomass g^?1 soil and 5 mg dry biomass g^?1 soil. The soils were incubated for 3 months at 27 °C under 22 W m² illumination with a photoperiod of 16 h light and 8 h dark. The moisture was maintained at 60% of field capacity. In all soils, Nostoc 9v proliferated and colonized the soil surfaces very quickly and was tolerant to acidity and low nutrient availability. Cyanobacteria promoted soil N₂ fixation and had a pronounced effect on total soil organic carbon (SOC), which increased by 30–100%. Total N also increased, but the enrichment was, in most soils, comparatively lower than for carbon (C). Nitrate and ammonium concentrations, in contrast, decreased in all the soils studied. Increases in the concentration of available macronutrients were produced in most soils and treatments, ranging from 3 to 20 mg phosphorus (P) kg^?1 soil, from 5 to 58 mg potassium (K) kg^?1 soil, from 4 to 285 mg calcium (Ca) kg^?1, and from 12 to 90 mg magnesium (Mg) kg^?1 soil. Positive effects on the levels of available manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were also observed.     

Effects of Broiler Litter Management Practices on Phosphorus,Copper, Zinc,Manganese, and Arsenic Concentrations in Maryland Coastal Plain Soils

Abstract

The objective of this research was to assess the long‐term effects of broiler litter applications on soil phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and arsenic (As) concentrations in Chesapeake Bay watershed Coastal Plain soils. Litter and soil samples were collected from 10 farms with more than 40 years of broiler production and from wooded sites adjacent to fields and were analyzed for P and metal contents. Averaged over farms, total P and metal concentrations in the litter were 12.8 g kg^?1 P and 332, 350, 334, and 2.93 mg kg^?1 Cu, Zn, Mn, and As, respectively. Surface (0–15 cm) soil pH values were greater than (5.7–6.4) the 0‐ to 15‐cm depth at wooded sites (3.5–4.3). Surface soil Bray 1 P values (149–796 mg kg^?1) in amended fields were greater than wooded sites (4.4–17 mg kg^?1). The 1N nitric acid (HNO₃)–extractable metal concentrations were higher in amended soils than in wooded areas and were 7.7–32, 5.7–26, 12.3–71, and 0.6–3.0 mg kg^?1 for Cu, Zn, Mn, and As, respectively, compared to 0.76–14, 4.6–22, 1.6–70, and 0.14–0.59 mg kg^?1 for the same metals, respectively, in wooded areas. Results from this study demonstrated that long‐term broiler litter applications have altered the chemical properties of the Coastal Plain soils of the Maryland Eastern Shore. Metal concentrations were low in the surface layer of amended fields and typically decreased with depth. Phosphorus additions rather than metals are most likely to contribute to the degradation of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.     

Soil affects on the cadmium and zinc contents of Chinese cabbage in Yunnan Province,China

Chinese cabbage and surface soil samples (0–20 cm) from a periurban market garden in Yunnan Province (P.R. China) were collected to determine variations of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) contents in Chinese cabbage and the influence of soil factors. Mean Cd content was 0.49 mg kg^?1 dry materials (DM) in Chinese cabbage, ranging between 0.23 and 1.34 mg kg^?1 DM (n = 21 samples). Mean Zn content was 51.2 mg kg^?1 DM, ranging from 34.9 to 157.5 mg kg^?1 DM (n = 21 samples). The soil factors best predicting Chinese cabbage Cd and Zn contents were total and available Cd and Zn contents and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Soil samples and corresponding Chinese cabbage samples were divided into two groups: soils with low pH (<6.5, n = 10) and soils with high pH (>6.5, n = 11). Positive correlation between CEC with pH > 6.5 and Cd and Zn contents in Chinese cabbage were observed. Available trace element contents and CEC explained 77% and 69% of variation of Cd and Zn contents in Chinese cabbage, respectively. AEC (enrichment coefficient related to trace element availability) and BCF (bioaccumulation factors) could be used to understand Cd and Zn accumulation in Chinese cabbage.     

Zinc Uptake by Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) as Affected by Zn Application Rate,Zeolite, and Vermicompost

Zinc deficiency in calcareous soils is a serious problem, which may be ameliorated by the application of some soil amendments. A completely randomized factorial experiment was done to investigate the effect of zeolite, vermicompost, zeolite + vermicompost, and Zn application to a calcareous soil on Zn availability, dry weight of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), and Zn concen-tration in spinach. Results indicated that zeolite had no effect on soil Zn availability, dry weight, and Zn concentration in spinach. Vermicompost significantly increased dry weight (1.33 g pot^?1) and decreased Zn concentration in spinach (16 mg kg^?1). Application of zeolite + vermicompost significantly increased dry weight (by 2.8 times) and Zn uptake in spinach and it also decreased Zn concentration in spinach less than vermicompost. Zinc application increased Zn concentration in spinach (up to 496 mg kg^?1), but did not affect dry weight except in soils treated with zeolite + vermicompost. Generally, application of zeolite + vermicompost is recommended instead of separate zeolite or vermicompost application for improvement of soil Zn fertility and Zn uptake by spinach.     

Effect of soil application of nickel on growth,micronutrient concentration and uptake in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown in Inceptisols of Varanasi

A pot experiment was conducted in a glass house on low nickel containing alluvial soil in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, during 2012–13 and 2013–14, to study the response of barley to soil application of nickel (Ni). There were ten treatments of Ni (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 mg kg^?1) studied with recommended dose of fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur (N:P:K:S :: 40:30:30:20 mg kg^?1).The results showed a significant increase in plant height, number of tillers, chlorophyll content, straw and grain yield, and 1,000 grains weight with application of 10 mg Ni kg^?1 soil during both years of study. The micronutrient concentration and uptake in straw and grain increased with application of <15 mg Ni kg^?1 soil and beyond that declined significantly. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-extractable micronutrient iron, manganese, copper, zinc and nickel (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Ni) content in soil increased with increasing level of Ni. The maximum urease activity in post-harvest soil was noticed with application of 40 mg Ni kg^?1 soil. The microbial population viz. bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were higher with 5, 30 and 10 mg Ni kg^?1 soil, respectively.     

Zinc Deficiency in Rainfed Wheat in Pakistan: Magnitude,Spatial Variability,Management, and Plant Analysis Diagnostic Norms

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a widespread micronutrient disorder in crops grown in calcareous soils; therefore, we conducted a nutrient indexing of farmer‐grown rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum, cv. Pak‐81) in 1.82 Mha Potohar plateau of Pakistan by sampling up to 30 cm tall whole shoots and associated soils. The crop was Zn deficient in more than 80% of the sampled fields, and a good agreement existed between plant Zn concentration and surface soil AB‐DTPA Zn content (r=0.52; p≤0.01). Contour maps of the sampled areas, prepared by geostatistical analysis techniques and computer graphics, delineated areas of Zn deficiency and, thus, would help focus future research and development. In two field experiments on rainfed wheat grown in alkaline Zn‐deficient Typic Haplustalfs (AB‐DTPA Zn, 0.49–0.52 mg kg^?1), soil‐applied Zn increased grain yield up to 12% over control. Fertilizer requirement for near‐maximum wheat grain yield was 2.0 kg Zn ha^?1, with a VCR of 4∶1. Zinc content in mature grain was a good indicator of soil Zn availability status, and plant tissue critical Zn concentration ranges appear to be 16–20 mg kg^?1 in young whole shoots, 12–16 mg kg^?1 in flag leaves, and 20–24 mg Zn kg^?1 in mature grains.     

Distribution and Mobility of Trace Elements in Soils and Vegetation Around the Mining and Smelting Areas of Tharsis, Ríotinto and Huelva, Iberian Pyrite Belt, SW Spain

Trace elements may present an environmental hazard in the vicinity of mining and smelting activities. However, the factors controlling their distribution and transfer within the soil and vegetation systems are not always well defined. Total concentrations of up to 15,195 mg . kg ^–1 As, 6,690 mg . kg^–1 Cu, 24,820 mg . kg^–1 Pb and 9,810 mg . kg^–1 Zn in soils, and 62 mg . kg^–1 As, 1,765 mg . kg^–1 Cu, 280 mg . kg^–1 Pb and 3,460 mg . kg ^–1 Zn in vegetation were measured. However, unusually for smelters and mines of a similar size, the elevated trace element concentrations in soils were found to be restricted to the immediate vicinity of the mines and smelters (maximum 2–3 km). Parent material, prevailing wind direction, and soil physical and chemical characteristics were found to correlate poorly with the restricted trace element distributions in soils. Hypotheses are given for this unusual distribution: (1) the contaminated soils were removed by erosion or (2) mines and smelters released large heavy particles that could not have been transported long distances. Analyses of the accumulation of trace elements in vegetation (median ratios: As 0.06, Cu 0.19, Pb 0.54 and Zn 1.07) and the percentage of total trace elements being DTPA extractable in soils (median percentages: As 0.06%, Cu 15%, Pb 7% and Zn 4%) indicated higher relative trace element mobility in soils with low total concentrations than in soils with elevated concentrations.     

Metal uptake in maize, willows and poplars on impoldered and freshwater tidal marshes in the Scheldt estuary

Foliar Cd and Zn concentrations in Salix, Populus and Zea mays grown on freshwater tidal marshes were assessed. Soil metal concentrations were elevated, averaging 9.7 mg Cd kg^?1 dry soil, 1100 mg Zn kg^?1 dry soil and 152 mg Cr kg^?1 dry soil. Cd (1.1–13.7 mg kg^?1) and Zn (192–1140 mg kg^?1) concentrations in willows and poplars were markedly higher than in maize on impoldered tidal marshes (0.8–4.8 mg Cd kg^?1 and 155–255 mg Zn kg^?1). Foliar samples of maize were collected on 90 plots on alluvial and sediment‐derived soils with variable degree of soil pollution. For soil Cd concentrations exceeding 7 mg Cd kg^?1 dry soil, there was a 50% probability that maize leaf concentrations exceeded public health standards for animal fodder. It was shown that analysis of foliar samples of maize taken in August can be used to predict foliar metal concentrations at harvest. These findings can therefore contribute to anticipating potential hazards arising from maize cultivation on soils with elevated metal contents.     

Assessment of ZN Interaction with Nutrient Cations in Alkaline Soil and its Effect on Plant Growth

An experiment was conducted to assess the zinc (Zn) availability to wheat in alkaline soils during Rabi 2009–2010. Wheat seedlings in pots having 2 kg alkaline sandy soil per pot were treated with 5, 10 and 15 kg Zn ha^?1 as soil and with 0.5 and 1.0% zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) as foliar application. Results showed that Zn increasing levels in soil helped in phosphorus uptake up to boot stage but its conversion to grain portion lacked in Zn treated plants. Potassium (K) uptake also increased up to 6.24% in boot stage with treatment of 10 kg Zn ha^?1 + 1.0% ZnSO₄ foliar spray. Zinc (Zn) concentration increased in plant tissues with the increasing level of Zn application but this disturbed the phosphorus (P)-Zn interaction and, thus, both of the nutrients were found in lesser quantities in grains compared to the control. Despite of the apparent sufficient Zn level in soil (1.95 mg kg^?1), improvement in growth and yield parameters with Zn application indicate that the soil was Zn deplete in terms of plant available Zn. The above findings suggest that the figure Zn sufficiency in alkaline soil (1.0 mg kg^?1) should be revised in accordance to the nature and type of soils. Furthermore, foliar application of Zn up to 1.0% progressively increased yield but not significantly; and it was recommended that higher concentrations might be used to confirm foliar application of Zn as a successful strategy for increasing plant zinc levels.     

Bulk density and content,density and stock of carbon,nitrogen and heavy metals in vegetable patches and lawns of allotments gardens in the northwestern Ruhr area,Germany

Purpose

In view that soils are bodies and that processes such as storage and release of water, carbon, nutrients and pollutants, and aeration and rooting happen in these bodies, it is of interest to know the density of elements and compounds in soils. On the basis of soil bulk and element density of organic carbon (OC), N, and heavy metals in soils and of horizon thickness, stocks of these elements for garden soils were calculated.

Materials and methods

Fourteen gardens in four allotments of the northwestern part of the Ruhr area, Germany were investigated. The research included 14 vegetable patches, 13 lawns, 2 compost heaps, and 1 meadow. Volume samples were taken. The soil analysis included pH, soil bulk density, and OC, N, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, and Ni contents.

Results and discussion

The soils were from sandy loam to loamy sand. The pH was slightly acid and C/N ratio about 20. Soil bulk density was between 0.8 and 1.4 g cm^?3 and mean bulk density was 1.1 g cm^?3. Mean OC content was for compost 7.4 %, vegetable patches 5.2 % (0–30 cm depth), and lawns and meadow 5.8 and 5.2 % (0–5 cm depth). OC density for compost was 76 mg cm^?3, vegetable patches 56 mg cm^?3, and lawns 67 mg cm^?3 (0–5 cm). Mean OC stock in 0–30 cm soil depth in vegetable patches was 16.4 kg m^?2, lawns 15.5 kg m^?2, and meadow 11.1 kg m^?2. N contents were between 0.06 and 0.46 %. For compost, the mean was 0.39 %, vegetable patches 0.27 % (0–30 cm), lawn 0.28 %, and meadow 0.26 % (0–5 cm). Mean stock of N in 0–30 cm depth for vegetable patches was 0.84 kg m^?2, lawn 0.76 kg m^?2, and meadow 0.55 kg m^?2. For heavy metals in compost, vegetable patches, lawn and meadow, Cd contents were in the range of 1.7 to 3.0 mg kg^?1, Pb 49 to 152 mg kg^?1, and Zn 52 to 1830 mg kg^?1. The amounts stored per square meters in 30 cm depth were for Cd 0.6–1.1 g, Pb 15–52 g, Zn 41–440 g, Cu 4–39 g, and Ni 1–8 g.

Conclusions

Allotment gardens have a high capacity to store CO₂ as OC. Roughly, there will be 7–8 million tons of OC stored in the 1.3 million allotment gardens of Germany. The high amount of 8000 kg N ha^?1 could damage the groundwater when released by wrong soil management. Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Ni amounts of 7.8, 1000, 300, 135, and 30 kg ha^?1, respectively, are a lasting burden.

     

RESPONSES OF TOMATO VAR. TINY TOM TO APPLICATION OF COPPER AND ZINC FERTILIZERS IN THREE LIMED TROPICAL PEAT SOILS OF SARAWAK

We assessed the response of the tomato variety “Tiny Tom” to the application of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) fertilizers in three tropical peat soils of Sarawak: mixed swamp forest, Alan forest and Padang Alan forest. Limed soils were used because peat soils in their natural condition are unsuitable to sustain healthy growth of most crops. Yield responses were correlated with added Cu and Zn using Mitscherlich model. Adequate levels of applied Cu and Zn were calculated as those which resulted in 90% of the maximum obtainable shoot dry weight. Application of Cu and Zn significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the shoot dry weight and the shoot Cu and Zn concentrations of tomato. Application of the equivalent of 8.3 kg Cu and 5.2 kg Zn per ha was required to achieve 90% of the maximum shoot dry weight. In tomato shoots, the critical concentration for Cu was 18 mg/kg and for Zn, 92 mg/kg. The corresponding concentrations for diethylenetriaminepentaaceticacid (DTPA) extractable Cu and Zn in the soils were 2.3 mg Cu kg ^?1 and 3.6 mg Zn kg ^?1 . However, the addition of Cu fertilizer also increased Zn uptake by tomato plant, probably by displacing native Zn that was weakly sorbed to the soil solid phase.     

Effect of Application of Chromium Feedstock Compost on the Growth and Bioavailability of Some Trace Elements in Lettuce

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of chromium compost (0, 10, 30, and 50%) on the growth and the concentrations of some trace elements in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and in the amended soils. Compost addition to the soil (up to 30%) increased dry matter yield (DMY); more than 30% decreased DMY slightly. The application of compost increased soil pH; nitric acid (HNO₃)–extractable copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn); and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)–, Mehlich 3 (M3)–, and ammonium acetate (AAc)–extractable soil Cr and Zn. The addition of Cr compost to the soil increased tissue Cr and Zn but did not alter tissue cadmium (Cd), Cu, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and Pb. The Cr content in the lettuce tissue reached 5.6 mg kg^?1 in the 50% compost (326 mg kg^?1) treatment, which is less than the toxic level in plants. Our results imply that compost with high Cr could be used safely as a soil conditioner to agricultural crops.     

CRITICAL DEFICIENCY LEVEL OF ZINC FOR CORN ON CALCAREOUS SALT-AFFECTED SOILS IN CENTRAL IRAN

A greenhouse experiment with 11 soil series and two zinc (Zn) rates (0 and 15 mg Zn kg^?1 as zinc sulfate) was performed to determine critical deficiency level of Zn for corn (Zea mays L.) on calcareous salt-affected soils in central Iran. In addition, the most important soil properties affecting Zn phytoavailability were determined. Critical Zn deficiency levels were determined using the Cate-Nelson and Mitscherlich procedures. In most soils, application of Zn increased the dry matter yield, and Zn concentration and content in the shoot and root of corn. A positive correlation was observed between the soil electrical conductivity (EC) with Zn concentration in shoots, roots and whole plant while shoot Zn content was negatively correlated with buffer capacity of Zn in soil. Critical deficiency levels of Zn in soil for corn based on the Cate-Nelson and Mitscherlich method were 1.35 and 1.23 mg kg^?1 for diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extracted soil Zn, respectively.     

Response of Lettuce and Rhizosphere Biota to Successive Additions of Zinc and Cadmium to a Tropical Entisol

Response of lettuce and rhizosphere biota to successive addition of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) was assessed in a pot experiment using limed and unlimed tropical Entisol. Cadmium (2.5 mg kg^?1 soil) and Zn (50 mg kg^?1 soil) were spiked to soil 1 month after germination, and successive applications were superimposed as 5 and 10 times the first dose. Plants were analyzed for metal uptake and mycorrhizal colonization 1 week after each metal application. Rhizosphere soils were assessed for extractable Zn and Cd as well as populations of bacteria, fungi, and metal-tolerant fungi. The greatest metal doses resulted in 84–88 mg Zn and 8–10 mg Cd kg^?1 soil and 5–7.5 mg Cd and 70–72 mg Zn kg^?1 dry matter. Metal-tolerant fungi population increased from 9–13% to 26–63%, but mycorrhizal colonization and bacterial population were inhibited by 88% and 96%, respectively. Liming had relieved metal stress on rhizosphere biota but did not affect metal uptake.     

Zinc accumulation in lettuce cultivars grown with organic or chemical based nutritional regimes

This study determined the potential to increase Zn density of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) through cultivar selection and nutrient management. Organic fertilizer and Hoagland and Arnon no.1 solution factored with three zinc (Zn) levels provided as zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) were the fertilizer regimes in a greenhouse experiment. Modern cultivars had a 32% higher fresh head weight than heritage cultivars, but each accumulated the same Zn concentration (65 mg kg^?1 dry wt). Butterhead phenotypes had a 38% lower yield than loose-leaf and had the highest Zn concentration (78 mg kg^?1 dry wt) followed by romaine (66 mg kg^?1 dry wt) and loose-leaf (53 mg kg^?1 dry wt). Concentration of Zn did not differ between fertility regimes, being about 66 mg kg^?1 dry wt with each regime. Differences in Zn concentrations were significant among individual cultivars with ranges from 42 mg g^?1 dry wt to 91 mg kg^?1 dry wt. ‘Tom Thumb’, ‘Adriana’, ‘Claremont’, and ‘Focea’ were the top in cultivar ranking, with mean Zn concentration of 63 mg kg^?1 dry wt. The results signify that selection of cultivars may be utilized to increase Zn accumulation in lettuce but that nutritional regimes had little effect on accumulation.     

Bioremediation of Co-contamination of Crude Oil and Heavy Metals in Soil by Phytoremediation Using Chromolaena odorata (L) King & H.E. Robinson

The capability of Chromolaena odorata (L) to grow in the presence of different concentrations of three heavy metals in crude oil-contaminated soil and its capability to remediate the contaminated soil was investigated using pot experiments. C. odorata plants were transplanted into contaminated soil containing 50,000 mg kg^?1 crude oil and between 100 and 2,000 mg kg^?1 of cadmium, nickel, and zinc and watered weekly with water containing 5% NPK fertilizer for 180 days. C. odorata did not show any growth inhibition in 50,000 mg kg^?1 crude oil. Plants in experiments containing 2,000 mg kg^?1 Cd showed little adverse effect compared to those in Zn-treated soil. Plants in 1,000 and 2,000 mg kg^?1 Ni experiments showed more adverse effects. After 180 days, reduction in heavy metals were: 100 mg kg^?1 experiments, Zn (35%), Cd (33%), and Ni (23%); 500 mg kg^?1, Zn (37%), Cd (41%), and Ni (25%); 1,000 mg kg^?1, Zn (65%), Cd (55%), and Ni (44%); and 2,000 mg kg^?1, Zn (63%), Cd (62%), and Ni (47%). The results showed that the plants accumulated more of the Zn than Cd and Ni. Accumulation of Zn and Cd was highest in the 2,000 mg kg^?1 experiments and Ni in the 500 mg kg^?1 experiments. Crude oil was reduced by 82% in the experiments that did not contain heavy metals and by up to 80% in the heavy metal-treated soil. The control experiments showed a reduction of up to 47% in crude oil concentration, which was attributed to microbial action and natural attenuation. These results show that C. odorata (L) has the capability of thriving and phytoaccumulating heavy metals in contaminated soils while facilitating the removal of the contaminant crude oil. It also shows that the plant??s capability to mediate the removal of crude oil in contaminated soil is not significantly affected by the concentrations of metals in the soil.     

Effect of Oxalic and Citric Acids on Zinc Release Kinetic in Two Calcareous Soils

Rate of zinc (Zn) release from solid to solution phase by organic acids can influence Zn availability in calcareous soils. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations (1.1, 2.2, and 3.3 mM) of oxalic acid and citric acid on the kinetic release of Zn from two calcareous soils from Eastern Iran. The two organic acids showed significant difference in Zn release from studied soils. Cumulative Zn release during 72 h ranged from 5.85 to 10.4 mg kg^?1 in soil 1 and ranged from 8.7 to 16.9 mg kg^?1 in soil 2 using different concentrations of oxalic acid. The amount of cumulative Zn release after 72 h in soil 1 ranged from 13.65 to 28.77 mg kg^?1 and from 17.63 to 23.13 mg kg^?1 when different concentrations of citric acid was used. In general, Citric acid released 38% more Zn from soils than oxalic acid. The release of Zn from soils increased with citric acid concentration but decreased with increasing of oxalic acid concentrations in the solution. The simplified Elovich equation best described Zn release as a function of time (r² = 0.93 and SE = 0.78). From the present study, Zn release from soils can be limited by the higher concentration of oxalic acid, while citric acid is suitable for enhancing soil lability of Zn.     

Remediation of a Sandy Soil Contaminated with Cadmium,Nickel, and Zinc using an Insoluble Polyacrylate Polymer

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate whether an insoluble polyacrylate polymer could be used to remediate a sandy soil contaminated with cadmium (Cd) (30 and 60 mg Cd kg^?1 of soil), nickel (Ni) (50 and 100 mg Ni kg^?1 of soil), zinc (Zn) (250 and 400 mg Zn kg^?1 of soil), or the three elements together (30 mg Cd, 50 mg Ni, and 250 mg Zn kg^?1 of soil). Growth of perennial ryegrass was stimulated in the polymer‐amended soil contaminated with the greatest amounts of Ni or Zn, and when the three metals were present, compared with the unamended soil with the same levels of contamination. Shoots of plants cultivated in the amended soil had concentrations of the metals that were 24–67% of those in plants from the unamended contaminated soil. After ryegrass had been growing for 87 days, the amounts of water‐extractable metals present in the amended soil varied from 8 to 53% of those in the unamended soil. The results are consistent with soil remediation being achieved through removal of the metals from soil solution.     

Sorption Characteristics of Chromium and Its Phytotoxic Effect with or without City Compost on Maize and Spinach in a Vertisol of Central India

Abstract

Phytotoxicity, due to chromium [Cr (VI)] additions from low to very high levels in a swell–shrink clayey soil (Haplustert), in maize and spinach was studied in a pot culture experiment. Six levels of Cr (VI) (0, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 75 mg kg^?1 soil) for maize and five levels for spinach (0, 2, 5, 10, and 25 mg kg^?1 soil) were applied singly and in combination with two doses (0 and 20 t ha^?1) of city compost. At levels of more than 75 mg Cr (VI) kg^?1 soil for maize there was virtually no growth after germination, whereas 25 mg Cr (VI) kg^?1 soil hindered the germination of spinach crop. Initial symptoms of Cr (VI) toxicity appeared as severe wilting of the tops of treated plants. Maize plants suffering from severe Cr (VI) toxicity had smaller roots and narrow brownish red leaves covered with small necrotic spots. In spinach, severe chlorosis was observed in leaves. Higher levels of Cr (VI) inhibited the growth and dry‐matter yield of the crops. However, application of city compost alleviated the toxic effect of Cr (VI). The concentration of Cr (VI) in plant parts increased when Cr (VI) was applied singly but decreased considerably when used in combination with city compost. There was evidence of an antagonistic effect of Cr (VI) on other heavy‐metal (Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe) concentrations in plant tops. Thus, when Cr (VI) concentration increases, the concentration of other beneficial metals decreases. Chromium (VI) concentration in maize roots ranged from traces (control) to 30 mg kg^?1and were directly related to soil Cr (VI) concentration. At 25 mg Cr (VI) kg^?1 soil, yield of maize was reduced to 41% of control plants, whereas in spinach, 10 mg Cr (VI) kg^?1 soil caused a 33% yield reduction. Experimental results revealed that the maize top (cereal) is less effective in accumulating Cr (VI) than spinach (leafy vegetables). Laboratory studies were also conducted to know Cr (VI) sorption capacity of a swell–shrink clayey soil with and without city compost, and it was found that Cr (VI) sorption reaction was endothermic and spontaneous in nature.     

APPLICATION OF INCREASING LEVELS OF ZINC TO SOIL REDUCED ACCUMULATION OF CADMIUM IN LUPIN GRAIN

Yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.) and narrow-leafed lupin (L. angustifolius L.) are grown as grain legumes in rotation with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on acidic sandy soils of south-western Australia. Yellow lupin can accumulate significantly larger cadmium (Cd) concentrations in grain than narrow-leafed lupin. A glasshouse experiment was undertaken to test whether adding increasing zinc (Zn) levels to soil increased Zn uptake by yellow lupin reducing accumulation of Cd in yellow lupin grain. Two cultivars of yellow lupin (cv. ‘Motiv’ and ‘Teo’) and 1 cultivar of narrow-leafed lupin (cv. ‘Gungurru’) were used. The soil was Zn deficient for grain production of both yellow and narrow-leafed lupin, but had low levels of native soil Cd (total Cd <0.05 mg kg^?1) so 1.6 mg Cd pot^?1, as a solution of cadmium chloride (CdCl₂·H₂O), was added and mixed through the soil. Eight Zn levels (0–3.2 mg Zn pot^?1), as solutions of zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄·7H₂O), were added and evenly mixed through the soil. Yellow lupin accumulated 0.16 mg Cd kg^?1 in grain when no Zn was applied, which decreased as increasing Zn levels were applied to soil, with ～0.06 mg Cd kg^?1 in grain when the largest level of Zn (3.2 mg Zn pot^?1) was applied. Low Cd concentrations (<0.016 mg Cd kg^?1) were measured in narrow-leafed lupin grain regardless of the Zn treatment. When no Zn was applied, yellow lupin produced ～2.3 times more grain than narrow-leafed lupin, indicating yellow lupin was better at acquiring and using indigenous Zn from soil for grain production. Yellow lupin required about half as much applied Zn as narrow-leafed lupin to produce 90% of the maximum grain yield, ～0.8 mg pot^?1 Zn compared with ～1.5 mg Zn pot^?1. Zn concentration in whole shoots of young plants (eight leaf growth stage) related to 90% of the maximum grain yield (critical prognostic concentration) was (mg Zn kg^?1) 25 for both yellow lupin cultivars and 19 for the narrow-leafed lupin cultivar. Critical Zn concentration in grain related to 90% of maximum grain yield was (mg Zn kg^?1) 24 for both yellow lupin cultivars compared with 20 for the narrow-leafed lupin cultivar.