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Effect of Soil Amendments on Cd Accumulation by Spinach from a Cd‐Mineralized Soil
Author(s) -
Paul Adrian L.D.,
Chaney Rufus L.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq2016.07.0251
Subject(s) - spinach , biosolids , compost , loam , cadmium , chemistry , fertilizer , soil water , lactuca , agronomy , environmental chemistry , sewage sludge , horticulture , environmental science , environmental engineering , sewage , biology , soil science , biochemistry , organic chemistry
Cadmium (Cd)‐mineralized soils occur in many nations. When these soils are noncalcareous, crops and especially leafy vegetables such as lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) and spinach ( Spinacia oleracea L.) may accumulate levels of Cd in their edible portions that exceed international standards. Vegetable crops grown on Lockwood loam from Monterey County, CA, absorb an excessive amount of Cd into their edible portions. Agronomic or genetic management alternatives are needed to allow the use of these otherwise highly productive soils for spinach. Previous research has shown that zinc (Zn) fertilizer plus limestone incorporation or biosolids compost and sorbent oxide amendments can reduce spinach and lettuce Cd accumulation. We tested combinations of biosolids compost (10%), Mn, Zn, and limestone (5%) on Cd phytoavailability. Manganese sulfate (in the absence of limestone) caused minor pH reduction, which increased the Cd level in spinach. The addition of ZnCO 3 +ZnSO 4 inhibited Cd accumulation, as did biosolids compost, but much greater reductions were achieved when soil pH was raised with limestone to prevent the acidification from the addition of compost or Zn salts. Cadmium accumulation was suppressed below international guidelines limits when combinations of compost+Zn+limestone or compost+Zn+Mn+limestone were applied, highlighting the complexity of processes limiting Cd phytoavailability. Core Ideas Cd‐mineralized soils exist in many nations and require management to limit crop Cd. Both Zn fertilizer and limestone equivalent must be incorporated to minimize spinach Cd. Biosolids compost may negatively affect plant growth due to soluble salts but reduce spinach Cd. Codex Cd limits can be attained for leafy vegetables grown in Cd‐mineralized Lockwood soils.