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. 2009 Copyright (CC) SCS.