The effects of some agrotechnical measures on the uptake of nickel by maize plants

Abstract

Nickel is a non-essential element in the nutrition of the majority of plant species and can be toxic to plants when its concentration in soils is high. Several soil properties have an effect on the uptake of this heavy metal by plants. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of fertilization, soil acidification and liming on the uptake of Ni by maize plants grown on some alluvial soils. A pot experiment with maize plants grown on soils having various properties and elevated content of Ni was set up. The experiment lasted six weeks. The roots and shoots were analyzed for the concentration of Ni. From the results of the experiment, it can be concluded that the roots had higher concentrations of Ni than the shoots. The addition of mineral fertilizers (without application of other measures) mainly decreased the concentration and uptake of Ni by the roots and the transport of Ni to the shoots. Soil acidification (to pH 4.5) caused an increase in the Ni concentration in the plants and in its removal from the soil. Liming of acid soils had a positive effect on the uptake of Ni by young maize plants. The obtained results are important from the standpoint of reducing the pollution of plants by potentially toxic heavy metals.

Growth and Micronutrient Concentration in Maize Plants Under Nickel and Lime Applications

“…Acidification can increase the absorption and accumulation of nickel in plant roots (ZARKOVIC;BLAGOJEVIC, 2009).…”

The trace metals accumulation in marine organisms of the southeastern Adriatic coast, Montenegro

“…21 However, in environments with high nutrient levels, Ni uptake by plants can be inhibited due to complex formation between the nutrients and metal ions. 22 For the first time, the concentrations of Co, Ni, As, Cd, Pb and Hg have been determined and compared in different marine environmental compartments in the area of the southeastern Adriatic Sea, Montenegro: seawater, sediment, the mussel M. galloprovincialis (L) Lamarck, 1819 and the sea grass P. oceanica (L) Delile. As there is no quantitative data available on the concentration of these metals in seawater, sediment, mussels and sea grass in this coastal part of the southeastern Adriatic Sea, the results of this study could serve as a baseline for future assessments of anthropogenic effects in this part of the Adriatic Sea.…”

Effects of fertiliser and intercropping on cadmium uptake by maize

“…[13] Such agrotechnical measures can change some of the soil properties by the application of amendments to increase bioavailability of heavy metals and affect the uptake of heavy metals by plants. [6,14] Intercropping is more environmentally friendly in facilitating phytoextraction of metals from cultivated soil, and intercrops can be synchronised with planting of the accumulator species. [8] The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the feasibility of intercropping systems as a tool for the enhancement of Cd uptake by maize and to investigate the potential of fertiliser to improve soil fertility and maize drymatter yield.…”