Effects of nickel and PGPBs on growth indices and phytoremediation capability of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The effect of bacteria inoculation was studied on sunflower growth and phytoremediation capacity in soils contaminated by different levels of nickel. The experimental treatments consisted of four levels of bacteria inoculation – non-inoculated, inoculated by Bacillus safensis, inoculated by Kocuria rosea, and co-inoculated by B. safensis + K. rosea – and four levels of nickel concentrations in the soil – Ni0, Ni150, Ni300, and Ni450 (0, 150, 300, and 450 mg Ni per kg soil, respectively). The treatments were arranged as factorial structure based on a completely randomized design. Results have shown that growth indices, photosynthetic pigments, shoot Fe concentration, root and shoot Zn concentration, and translocation factor decreased as the Ni concentration in soil increased. Shoot and root Ni concentration were higher at Ni450, whereas, the highest Ni uptake by the plant was observed at Ni300 when the sunflower seed was co-inoculated by B. safensis + K. rosea bacteria. Bacteria inoculation significantly increased the plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, and Ni uptake. By B. safensis inoculation, the Fe concentration significantly increased in shoot, while it decreased in root.     

施用生物炭对黑土各组分有机质结构的影响

  【目的】  生物炭还田已经成为培肥土壤的重要农艺措施之一,研究生物炭还田对黑土各粒径水稳性团聚体中有机碳的分配,以及对不同密度组分有机质化学结构的影响,以深化认识施用生物炭增加农田土壤固碳潜力的机理。  【方法】  选取中国科学院海伦农业生态实验站内长期定位试验中施用化肥(?BC)和化肥配施生物炭(+BC) 的两个处理,采集土壤样品以常规方法分析了有机质总量,并将土壤样品分离为>2 mm、2～0.25 mm、0.25～0.053 mm和 <0.053 mm 4个粒级水稳性团聚体,测定其中的有机碳含量。将土壤样品中的有机质分为游离态轻组(free light fraction, LF)、闭蓄态轻组(occluded light fraction, OF)和矿物结合态组(mineral-associated fraction, MF) 3个密度组分,利用元素分析仪和傅里叶红外光谱技术分析了有机碳含量和化学结构。  【结果】  与?BC处理相比,+BC处理的土壤有机质含量增加19.72%,密度组分中LF和OF有机质含量分别增加了73.50%和192.66%,团聚体>2 mm和2～0.25 mm两个粒级的有机质含量分别显著增加了12.54%和21.35%。土壤中除芳香族C=C和羰基C=O相对丰度分别减少了18.18%和21.95%以外,其他官能团均增加,?CH/C=C和?CH/C=O值分别增加66.67%和62.11%;在>2 mm团聚体中,脂肪族?CH的相对丰度增加了55.11%,芳香族C=C减少17.06%,致使>2 mm团聚体中的?CH/C=C和?CH/C=O值增加;在<0.25 mm粒级中,芳香族C=C相对丰度增加27.63%～49.83%,脂肪族?CH减少了16.58%～20.80%,致使?CH/C=C和?CH/C=O值下降。在>2 mm的团聚体中—CH/C=C和CH/C=O值的增幅最大。此外,与?BC相比,+BC处理各密度组分中脂肪族?CH和芳香族C=C相对丰度均增加,其中OF组分中增幅分别达125.74%和29.06%,?CH/C=C值增加了74.19%。  【结论】  施用生物炭增加了黑土有机质含量,促使土壤特别是大团聚体中的有机质结构趋于脂肪化,促进了微团聚体中有机质的稳定性。闭蓄态轻组中脂肪族?CH的相对丰度增幅最大,有利于促进有机质活性的增强,加快土壤有机质的周转更新。     

Chemical fractions and bioavailability of nickel in a Ni-treated calcareous soil amended with plant residue biochars

ABSTRACT

Recently, the use of biochars for stabilization of soil heavy metals has been expanded due to their adsorption characteristics, low cost and carbon storage potential. A factorial experiment was performed to investigate the effects of two plant residue biochars (licorice root pulp and rice husk biochar each applied at 2.5% (w/w)) produced at two temperatures (350 and 550 °C), and three Ni application rates (0, 150 and 300 mg Ni kg^?1) on bioavailability and chemical fractions of Ni in a calcareous soil after spinach cultivation. Application of all the biochars significantly reduced Ni bioavailability factor (5–15%) and spinach Ni concentration (54–77%) in Ni-treated soil. The biochars produced at 550 °C were more effective at reducing Ni mobility and Ni uptake by spinach than those produced at 350 °C, attributed to higher CaCO₃ and lower acidic functional group content, which resulted in greater enhancement of soil pH. When comparing the biochars produced at the same temperature, the rice husk biochars were the most effective in reducing Ni bioavailability, likely due to their lower acidic functional group content and higher nano-silica content which resulted in higher soil pH values and potentially promoted the formation of Ni-silicates and hydroxides.

Abbreviations : Ni: Nickel; RHB: rice husk biochar; LRB: licorice root pulp biochar; WsEx: water soluble and exchangeable; CARB: carbonate form; RES: residual; MnOx; manganese oxides bound; AFeOx; amorphous iron oxides bound; CFeOx: crystalline iron oxides bound; OM: organic bound.     

Effect of biosolid application to Mollisol Chilean soils on the bioavailability of heavy metals (Cu,Cr, Ni,and Zn) as assessed by bioassays with sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and DGT measurements

Purpose

This study assessed the effect of biosolid application on the bioavailable fraction of some trace elements (Cu, Cr, Ni, and Zn) using a bioassay with sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and a chemical assay, diffusion gradient in thin films (DGT).

Materials and methods

Five surface soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected from an agricultural zone in Central Chile where biosolids are likely to be applied. Municipal biosolids were mixed with the soil at concentrations of 0, 30, 90, and 200 Mg ha^?1. The experiment to determine the bioavailability of metals in the soil using the bioassay was performed using sunflower. The DGT technique and Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction were used to determine the bioavailable fractions of the metals.

Results and discussion

The application of biosolids increased the phytoavailability of Zn, Ni, and Cr in most of the soils, as indicated by the increasing concentrations in sunflower plants as the biosolid application rate increased. In two of the soils, Codigua and Pelvín, this increase peaked at an application rate of 90 Mg ha^?1. Decreases in the bioavailable fractions of Zn, Ni, and Cr were observed with higher biosolid application rates. The bioavailability of metals was estimated through multiple linear regression models between the metals in the sunflower plants and the different chemical fractions of metals in the soils treated with different biosolid rates, which displayed a positive contribution of the labile (water soluble, carbonate, and exchangeable), oxide, and organic metal forms in the soil, particularly with respect to Ni and Zn at application rates of 30 and 90 Mg ha^?1. The bioavailable fraction of metals was determined in soils using the DGT technique. The effective concentration (C _E) results were compared with those in sunflower plants. The DGT technique could effectively predict the bioavailable fractions of Cr, Ni, and Zn in the Taqueral soil but only that of Zn in the Polpaico soil.

Conclusions

The application of biosolids significantly increased the labile fraction of most of the metals in the studied soils, particularly at the highest biosolid application rate. C _E increased as the concentration of biosolids increased for most of the metals. The effectiveness of the DGT technique for predicting the bioavailability of metals was dependent on the soil type and the metal. However, the C _E for soil Cu was not related to plant Cu for all soils studied.     

Soil Enzyme Activities in Waste Biochar Amended Multi-Metal Contaminated Soil; Effect of Different Pyrolysis Temperatures and Application Rates

Woody biochars derived by pyrolyzing Gliricidia sepium at 300°C and 500°C and a waste byproduct of same biomass from a bioenergy industry (BC700) were tested for their effect on soil enzymes activities and available form of heavy metals in multi-metals contaminated soil. Pot experiments were conducted during 6 weeks with tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) at biochar application rates, 1, 2.5, and 5% (w/w). A reduction in polyphenol oxidase with biochars produced at increasing pyrolysis temperature compared to the control whereas the maximum activity of dehydrogenase and catalase was observed in 1% BC500 and 2.5% BC300, respectively. Soil available form of Ni, Mn, and Cr were reduced by 55, 70% and 80% in 5% BC700 amended soil, respectively. The highest geometric mean of enzyme activities was observed in 2.5% BC300 treatment. Overall the application of high dosages of high temperature derived biochar masks/deteriorates soil enzyme activities but immobilizes bioavailable heavy metals and reduces toxicity.     

Effects of heavy metals on the growth and mineral composition of a nickel hyperaccumulator

Alyssum pintodasilvae Dudley is a nickel (Ni) hyperaccumulator endemic to serpentine soils of north‐east Portugal. In one experiment, the effects of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), Ni, lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) on the growth and mineral composition of this species were evaluated. The growth of A. pintodasilvae, measured by dry matter accumulation, was not influenced by the presence of Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, or Zn in the soil, but Cd applications led to significant decreases in dry matter yield. The addition of heavy metals to the soil resulted in increased uptake and translocation by A. pintodasilvae but only Ni was accumulated to high levels. In a second experiment, two cuts of A. pintodasilvae, grown on a Ni‐enriched soil, were compared. Nickel concentrations were higher in the second cut, suggesting the possibility of continued growth and harvest of this plant to detoxify Ni‐contaminated soils.     

Use of Biochar as an Amendment for Remediation of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils:Prospects and Challenges

Biochar (BC), known as the new black gold, is a stable, novel carbonaceous by-product that is synthesized through pyrolysis of biological materials in the absence of O₂. Recently, an emerging interest in the application of BC as a robust soil amendment has given rise to a broad research area in science and technology. It is considered a promising remediation option for heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soils to reduce HM bioavailability to plants. Remediation efficacy of BC depends on the porosity, composition, pyrolysis temperature, feedstock, and residence time of pyrolysis. This review article aimed to present an overview of BC use in the immobilization of HMs, i.e., Cd, As, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Sb, in contaminated soils. The remaining uncertain factors, including the specific soil HM immobilization mechanisms, long-term beneficial effects, and potential environmental risks associated with BC application are analyzed. Future research must be conducted to ensure that the management of environmental pollution is in accord with ecological sustainability and adaptation of the black gold biotechnology on a commercial basis for immobilization of HMs in contaminated soils.     

Remediation of a soil contaminated with heavy metals by immobilizing compounds

The labile fraction of heavy metals (HM) in soils is the most important for toxicity for plants and microorganisms. Thus, it is crucial to reduce this fraction in contaminated soils to decrease the negative effect of HM. In a greenhouse experiment, the effects of several additives on the labile fractions of Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb were investigated in a soil contaminated during long‐term sewage‐sludge application. The accumulation of HM was studied in the aboveground biomass of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The additives used were the clay minerals Na‐bentonite, Ca‐bentonite, and zeolite; the Fe oxides hematite and goethite; the phosphate fertilizers superphosphate and Novaphos. Wheat was planted three times during 5 months, allowed to grow for 7 w, and harvested. Dry matter and HM content of shoots were determined after each harvest. Soil samples were taken after the first and third harvest, and the NH₄NO₃‐extractable HM contents were determined. After the addition of 2% Na‐bentonite as well as 2% Ca‐bentonite, a strong reduction of the labile HM soil fraction and shoot HM concentration was observed. At the end of the experiment, the labile fraction was reduced due to the addition of Na‐bentonite and Ca‐bentonite by 24% and 31% for Zn, by 37% and 36% for Cd, by 41% and 43% for Cu, by 54% and 61% for Ni, and by 48% and 41% for Pb, respectively. Furthermore, the shoot HM concentrations with the exception of Zn were reduced below the phytotoxicity range. Accordingly, the shoot dry‐matter production was significantly increased. The addition of phosphate fertilizers (notably Novaphos) strongly reduced the bioavailability of Pb for wheat plants. By addition of 0.05% Novaphos, the labile fraction and the shoot concentration of Pb were lowered by 39% and 64%, respectively. However, the addition of Fe oxides and zeolite resulted only in a small reduction in HM bioavailability to wheat plants. Among the studied additives, Na‐bentonite and Ca‐bentonite have the most promising potential to reduce the bioavailability for the studied HM.     

Growth,Cadmium and Zinc Accumulation of Ornamental Sunflower(Helianthus annuus L.)in Contaminated Soil with Different Amendments

Use of ornamental plants for phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soil is a new option. A pot experiment was carried out to assess the effect of application of amendments, i.e., swine manure, salicylic acid (SA) and potassium chloride (KCl), on the growth, uptake and translocation of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) of ornamental sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grown on a contaminated soil. The three amendments increased sunflower height, flower diameter, and biomass. Manure significantly decreased Cd and Zn concentrations in sunflower, and thus decreased the bioaccumulation coeffcient (BCF) of Cd and Zn. However, using of KCl markedly increased Cd concentrations in sunflower and the BCF of Cd. Additionally, both swine manure and KCl application increased Cd and Zn translocation from root to aboveground part. Swine manure and salicylic acid reduced the Cd/Zn ratios in flower of sunflower, while KCl significantly increased the Cd/Zn ratios. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the Cd/Zn ratio in the root of sunflower was affected by K/Na ratio in root and soil available potassium (K) concentration. Ornamental sunflower could be grown as an alternative plant in the Cd- and Zn-contaminated soil with KCl application to get the balance between environmental and economic interests.     

Immobilization of heavy metals in soils by the application of bauxite residues: pot experiments under field conditions

In previous greenhouse experiments red mud, a residue of the alumina industry, was identified as effective amendment for in situ fixation of heavy metals. In the present study, we further evaluated the efficiency and potential drawbacks of red mud in an outdoor pot experiment. Application of 5 % (w/w) red mud (RM) should reveal possible drawbacks of red mud due to indigenous pollutants such as As, Cr, and V. Three soils from arable land in Lower Austria named Untertiefenbach (U) (Eutric Cambisol), Weyersdorf (W) (Dystric Cambisol), and Reisenberg (R) (Calcic Chernozem) were spiked with Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, and V at two concentration levels in 1987, two soils originate from long‐term industrially polluted sites, located in Carinthia (Arnoldstein – Rendzic Leptosol; Zn, Cd, and Pb) and Tyrol (Brixlegg – Dystric Fluvisol; Cu, Zn). Zea mays was cultivated in pots for three months in outdoor conditions. Extraction with 1 M NH₄NO₃ was used to assess the influence of RM on the labile metals. Lability of Cd, Zn, Ni, and Pb was reduced upon RM treatment on a sandy soil up to 91 %, 94 %, 71 %, and 83 % of the control, respectively. Metal accumulation in shoots was reduced for Cd and Zn up to 54 % and for Ni up to 75 % (soil W), but not for Pb (soil A). Addition of RM (5 % w/w) increased the total As, Cr, and V concentrations in soils by 5, 20, and 50 mg kg^–1, respectively. Whereas the lability of Cr was not affected, 1 M NH₄NO₃‐extractable As and V exceeded the trigger value for water quality according to Prüeß (1994). Lability of Cu increased upon RM application, especially on the Cu polluted industrial soil (B), while Cu toxicity appeared to be reduced as indicated by the higher corn biomass production. Red mud holds promise as soil amendment in terms of reduction Cd, Zn, and Ni bioavailability. However, at additions as high as 5 % (w/w) large As, Cr, and V concentrations of this material may limit its application.     

生物炭与强还原处理对设施蔬菜土壤可溶性有机质的影响

利用田间试验,探讨生物炭与强还原处理(RSD)对退化设施蔬菜土壤可溶性有机质(DOM)的影响.处理为对照(CK)、生物炭修复(BC)、淹水(SF)、淹水覆膜(SFF)、强还原修复(RSD)、RSD与生物炭联合修复(RSD+BC),对比研究不同处理对0-20,20-40 cm 土壤DOM含量及光谱特征的影响.结果表明:0...     

Application of composted sewage sludges contaminated with heavy metals to an agricultural soil

To elucidate the mechanism of transfer of heavy metals into the food chain, an experiment was carried out with a calcareous soil, to which two different doses of a sewage sludge compost contaminated with either Cd or Zn, Cd, Cu, and Ni were applied. A crop of lettuce was then grown in the amended soils. The application of sewage sludge composts to a calcareous soil lowered the soil's pH, although the value was always around 8 at the end of the experiment. Electric conductivity rose with organic amendment. As anticipated, such an amendment improved the nutritional level of the soils, particularly Nand P, both total and available. Plant yields were negatively affected by organic amendments contaminated with heavy metals, the most dangerous in our experiment being Cd and Zn since this metals easily taken up by plants. As Ni and Cu form insoluble complexes with the organic matter of the sewage sludge composts they are not readily absorbed. Of the metals studied, Cd and Zn showed the highest bioavailability index.     

新乡市寺庄顶污灌区土壤中重金属的形态分布及生物有效性研究

对长期电池废水灌溉的新乡市寺庄顶污灌区和对照区土壤重金属进行取样分析,结果表明,对照区土壤中Cd,Ni,Zn,Cu和Cr含量都能达标,污灌区土壤中Cr含量能达标,Cd,Ni,Zn和Cu的含量超标,其平均含量分别为65.31,1 196.64,2 799.25,145.78 mg/kg,是国家土壤环境质量二级标准的108.85,19.94,9.33和1.46倍。形态分析结果表明,污灌区污染最严重的Cd主要以铁-锰氧化物结合态存在,所占比例平均为56.84%;Ni主要以铁-锰氧化物结合态和残余态存在,所占比例平均为37.44%和39.55%;Zn主要以残余态存在,所占比例平均为78.24%;Cu主要以有机结合态存在,所占比例平均为57.70%;Cr主要以有机结合态和残余态存在,所占比例平均为45.55%和34.18%。与对照相比,污灌降低了Cd,Ni,Zn,Cu和Cr残余态所占比例,提高了重金属迁移能力和生物有效性。在4种超标重金属中Cd可交换态所占比例最高,平均为24.54%,由于其生物有效性最高,Cd迁移能力和植物毒性最值得关注。     

Long‐term application of biowaste compost versus mineral fertilization: Effects on the nutrient and heavy metal contents of soil and plants

In recent years the use of biowaste compost (BC) as a soil amendment is of increasing interest. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the influence of different fertilization systems: biowaste compost, annual average of 32 Mg ha^—1 BC (fresh matter) and mineral fertilizer (83:52:95 kg ha^—1 NPK fertilizer) on the nutrient and heavy metal contents of soil and plants. Soil samples (1997) and harvest products (1996—1998) from a field trial (initiated 1992) were analyzed for K, Mg, P, Cu, Mn, Mo, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Pb. The five‐year fertilization with composted biowaste did not influence the total contents of Cd, Mn, Mo, and Ni in soil. The total soil contents of Zn and Pb were significantly higher in soils of the BC treatment than in the unfertilized control. Both fertilized plots tended to have higher Cu and Zn contents in harvest products than the unfertilized control. The mineral fertilization inhibited the Mo uptake by plants. In 1998 the mineral fertilization led to higher, and the biowaste compost application to lower, Cd contents in potato tubers as compared to the control.     

Bioavailability,fractionation of pb and Zn in the rhizosphere of sunflower in chelators-amended contaminated soil

Assisted phytoremediation procedures have been widely employed as soil removal instrument of heavy metals from contaminated soils. Rhizosphere processes have a major impact on pb and Zn availability and its fractions in soils. The present study evaluates the effects of EDTA, citric acid (CA) and poultry manure extract (PME) on bioavailability and fractionation of pb, Zn in both the rhizosphere of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and bulk soil. EDTA and CA were added to soils at the rates of 0, 0.5 and 1 mmol kg^?1 soil and PME at 0, 0.5 and 1 g kg^?1 soil as factorial in a completely randomized pattern with three replicates in greenhouse condition. Results showed that chelator application had a significant impact (p < 0.05) on pb, Zn extraction by different extractants and its fractions in soils. The order of concentrations of pb, Zn present in different fractions in soil treated by chelators was: oxides-bounded fraction > residual fraction > OM-bounded fraction > carbonate-bounded fraction > exchangeable fraction. Biochemical soil characteristics in the sunflower rhizosphere change resulting from its roots contributing to pb, Zn decline in mobile soil fractions, and change in soil pb, Zn fractions that are generally regarded as more stable.     

Effect of Lherzolite on Chemical Fractions of Cd and Zn and their Uptake by Plants in Contaminated Soil

Immobilizing materials such as lherzolite could reduce metal bioavailability but the effectiveness of lherzolite on the extractability and bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) is rarely investigated. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to investigate the effect of 5% application of lherzolite to a contaminated soil on the chemical fractionation of Cd and Zn and their uptake by radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and Japanese mustard spinach (Brassica rapa L. var. perviridis). Both plants were grown in a highly contaminated (with Cd and Zn) sandy loam soil. Plants were cultivated consecutively three times in the same pots. After the third cultivation, soil samples were collected and analyzed by sequential extraction procedure into five operationally defined fractions (F1—exchangeable, F2—carbonate-bound, F3—oxides-bound, F4—bound with organic matter, and F5—residual). Addition of lherzolite to soil decreased 50% of exchangeable (F1) Cd but it increased the carbonate (F2), oxide (F3), and organic (F4) fraction Cd. For Zn, application of lherzolite resulted into the reduction of both F1 (87%) and F2 (33%) fractions but it increased the F3, F4, and F5 fractions. The reduction in exchangeable fraction of Cd and Zn in the soil resulted in higher plant growth and lower concentrations of both Cd (64% to 92%) and Zn (78% to 99%) in plant tissues of both plant species grown. We may thus conclude that application of lherzolite resulted into lower availability of these metals in the soil leading to lower uptake of Cd and Zn by plant roots, lower toxicity, and ultimately higher plant growth.     

油葵和苦荬菜根际土壤中镉和锌的活化机制及修复潜力比较

  目的  研究油葵和苦荬菜根际土壤固、液相对镉（Cd）和锌（Zn）的活化机制,比较两种植物在轻、中度复合污染农田的修复潜力。  方法  通过大田试验种油葵和苦荬菜,测定成熟期土壤的pH值、有机酸、重金属总量及其生物有效性;测定土壤溶液中的溶解性有机质（DOM）、主要离子、水溶态重金属及其形态分布;测定植物各部位中重金属的浓度及形态,通过计算重金属在植物中的富集系数（BCF）和转运系数（TF）,比较两种植物对土壤重金属污染的修复潜力。  结果  油葵和苦荬菜根系分泌的低分子有机酸均使根际土壤pH值下降明显,显著低于非根际土壤（P < 0.05）;苦荬菜根际土中低分子有机酸及DOM的浓度显著高于油葵根际土（P < 0.05）。两种植物根际土壤溶液中的Cd以离子态和DOM结合态为主,Zn以离子态为主;两种植物根际土壤中有效态的Cd差异不显著,油葵根际有效态Zn显著高于苦荬菜;两种植物根际土壤的Zn和Cd有效态与土壤溶液中Cd-DOM和Zn-DOM呈显著相关。苦荬菜根对重金属的富集能力较强,但油葵地上部分能吸收转运更多的Cd和Zn,并在叶中以毒性较低的不溶性磷酸盐结合态和草酸结合态富集。  结论  两种植物根际分泌的有机酸可以增加根际土壤中的Cd-DOM和Zn-DOM的浓度,提高土壤中的Cd和Zn的有效性,苦荬菜根际对重金属有较强的活化能力,但油葵地上部分对Cd和Zn的吸收转运能力更强。两种植物都具有较强的土壤重金属修复潜力,但从经济角度出发,油葵更适合现阶段我国农田重金属污染的修复。     

Zinc Application Effects on Yield and Seed Oil Content of Sunflower Grown on a Saline Calcareous Soil

ABSTRACT

Two field experiments (2000–2001 and 2001–2002) were conducted at two nearby fields in the Qanavat region of Qom province, central Iran, to investigate the effects of zinc (Zn) fertilization on production of sunflower. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with six treatments in three replicates. Treatments were: Zn₀ (non-Zn fertilized), Zn₁₀, Zn₂₀, Zn₃₀, and Zn₆₀ (soil application of 10, 20, 30, and 60 kg Zn ha^?1, respectively), and Zn_Spray (foliar spraying of 0.5 kg Zn ha^?1 using ZnSO₄). Seeds of sunflower (Helianthus annuus cv. ‘Record’) were planted on June 20, 2000 and June 15, 2001. At harvest, shoot and seed yields as well as concentration of Zn, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), and chloride (Cl) in leaves of sunflower were determined. Addition of 20 kg Zn ha^?1 significantly increased seed production and shoot dry-matter yield of sunflower, while other Zn treatments had no significant effect on shoot dry-matter yield, or decreased it. The thousand-seed weight was the yield component most affected by Zn fertilization, while plant height and head diameter did not change. The maximum content of seed oil was achieved under the Zn₁₀ treatment, then decreased at higher rates of soil-applied Zn such that oil content of seed under the Zn₃₀ and Zn₆₀, treatments was significantly lower than that of the control. Seed oil content was unaffected by foliar spraying of Zn. The concentration of Zn in sunflower leaves was increased with an increase in soil-added Zn of from 0 to 60 kg Zn ha^?1. The highest leaf concentrations of Zn (162 and 175 mg kg^?1 day matter (DM) in the first and second year, respectively) were achieved by foliar application of ZnSO₄. Leaf concentration of Fe was significantly increased in the Zn₂₀ treatment compared with the control but decreased at the higher rates of soil-added ZnSO₄. Soil addition of different levels of ZnSO₄ decreased concentration of Na and Cl in leaves. The lowest concentration of Na and Cl in leaves was observed under Zn₂₀. The results of this study suggest that soil application of a suitable amount of Zn has a positive effect on both quantitative and qualitative yield of sunflower in saline, calcareous soils.     

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.     

Effect of different zinc application methods on grain yield and zinc concentration in wheat cultivars grown on zinc‐deficient calcareous soils

The effect of six different zinc (Zn) application methods on grain yield and concentrations of Zn in whole shoots and grain was studied in wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum, L. cvs. Gerek‐79, Dagdas‐94 and Bezostaja‐1 and Triticum durum, Desf. cv. Kunduru‐1149) grown on severely Zn‐deficient calcareous soils (DTPA‐extractable Zn: 0.12 mg‐kg^‐1 soil) of Central Anatolia which is the major wheat growing area of Turkey. Zinc application methods tested were: a) control (no Zn application), b) soil, c) seed, d) leaf, e) soil+leaf, and f) seed+leaf applications. Irrespective of the method, application of Zn significantly increased grain yield in all cultivars. Compared to the control, increases in grain yield were about 260% with soil, soil+leaf, and seed+leaf, 204% with seed and 124% with leaf application of Zn. In a similar manner, biomass production (dry weight of above‐ground parts) was increased by Zn treatments. The highest increase (109%) was obtained with the soil application and the lowest increase (40%) with the leaf application. Significant effects of Zn application methods were also found on the yield components, i.e., spike number.m^‐2, grain number‐spike^‐1, and thousand kernel weight. Spike number.m^‐2 was affected most by Zn applications, particularly by soil and soil+leaf applications. Concentrations of Zn in whole shoots and grain were greatly affected by different Zn treatments. In plants without added Zn, concentrations of Zn were about 10 mg‐kg^‐1 both in shoots and grain and increased to 18 mg‐kg^‐1 dry weight (DW) by soil application of Zn, but not affected by seed application of Zn. Soil+leaf application of Zn had the highest increase in concentration of Zn in shoot (82 mg‐kg^‐1 DW) and grain (38 mg‐kg^‐1 DW). Soil application of Zn was economical and had long‐term effects for enhancing grain yield of wheat grown on Zn deficient soils. When high grain yield and high Zn concentration in grains are desired, soil+leaf application of Zn was most effective method of Zn application.