Organic Waste Amendments Effect on Zinc Fractions of Two Soils

Abstract

Organic soil amendments can ameliorate metal toxicity to plants by redistributing metals to less available fractions. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of organic amendments on Zn distribution among soil fractions. Two soils (fine‐textured and coarse‐textured) were amended with five organic waste materials (some of which contained Zn) or commercial humic acid with and without 400 mg kg−1 Zn, incubated, and fractionated using a sequential extraction technique. Where no Zn was added most of the metals were in the residual fraction. Commercial compost, poultry litter, and industrial sewage sludge increased Zn in the exchangeable (EXC), organic (OM), and manganese oxide (MnOx) fractions due to Zn in the materials. Spent mushroom compost (SMC) redistributed Zn from the EXC fraction to the MnOx fraction for the coarse‐textured soil. Where Zn was added, most of the metal was in the EXC and OM fractions. The SMC and humic acid lowered Zn in the EXC fraction and increased Zn in the other fractions. Effects of the organic materials on Zn in soil fractions were more evident for the sandy soil dominated by quartz in the clay than for the finer‐textured soil dominated by kaolinite in the clay‐size fraction. It was concluded that organic materials high in Zn can increase Zn in the EXC, OM, and MnOx fractions where the soil is not contaminated and others such as SMC and HA can lower the potential availability of Zn in contaminated soils by redistributing it from the EXC to less soluble fractions.

Nutritional implications of biosolids and paper mulch applications in high density apple orchards

“…Zinc, as the most common micronutrient deficiency in the Pacific Northwest, is generally applied annually (Peryea 2006). Biosolids frequently have high Zn concentrations and the potential to alter Zn availability in the soil (Shuman 1999). Although the effects of biosolids application on micronutrient concentrations of agronomic crops has been documented (Shober et al 2003), there is much less information available for fruit trees, despite a potential for ameliorating inadequate Zn concentrations.…”

Nitrogen fertilization by deep bedding swine production and its effects on dry matter production and accumulation of nutrients by maize

“…The decrease in the levels of Cu and Zn with N application through the deep litter were probably due to complexation and/or by chelatization of organic matter, organic compounds of low and high molecular weight (SHUMAN, 1999), with low availability to corn plants due to the reduced trial period for digestion of the deep litter. SILVA et al (2007) evaluated the effects of the application of municipal solid waste, or not enriched with heavy metals, in the cultivation of sugarcane and concluded that Cu is an element of concern, since it is very mobile and has high speed of passage, if not immobilized in soil organic matter.…”

“…In most cases, the organic material to a lesser extent affects the availability of Fe and Mn in the Zn and especially to Cu. On the other hand, with larger dosages may be CSS complexation of Fe and Mn containing organic compounds of high molecular weight (humic substances) of more stable forms with these metals (SHUMAN 1999).…”

Elemental Studies of Soil and Food Flour for Risk Assessment of Highway Pollution Using Particle-Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) Spectrometry

“…Almost all elements that are essential are, however, injurious at elevated amounts [14]. Practically, all toxic elements have impacts on multiple organ systems with biochemical processes and/or organelles as targets.…”

“…Practically, all toxic elements have impacts on multiple organ systems with biochemical processes and/or organelles as targets. The toxicity of metals frequently harms brain and kidney; they are capable of causing other diseases such as cancer, anemia, hypertension, general weakness of the body, and headache [14,15].…”