Cd and Zn concentrations in soil and silage maize following the addition of P fertilizer

Abstract

Studies of soil Cd and Zn are often performed on sites that are contaminated or have deficient Zn conditions. Soil characteristics and crop management could impact the soil mobility and uptake of Cd and Zn, even when considering unpolluted Cd soils and adequate soil Zn levels. The concentrations of these two metals were assessed in soil and silage maize under five P fertilization treatments at two growth stages under low Cd and sufficient Zn conditions. Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise linear regressions were calculated to investigate the soil characteristics influencing the bioavailable metal fraction in soil and the metal concentration in silage maize. P treatments did not impact Cd accumulation in maize; however, the Zn uptake was affected by P placement at the leaf development stage. From early development to maturity, the Cd level in maize decreased to 10% of the initial uptake, while the Zn level decreased to 50% of the initial uptake. This reduction in both metals may be attributed to a dilution effect derived from high biomass production. Silage maize could alleviate the initial Cd uptake while diminishing the depressant effect of P fertilizer on Zn concentration. Further research is required to understand the effect of P fertilizer on Cd uptake and its relation to Zn under field conditions at early and mature stages.