Changes in selenium bioavailability in selenium-enriched paddy soils induced by different water management and organic amendments

Abstract

Combined effects of water management and agricultural organic waste return on selenium (Se) bioavailability and mechanisms in Se-enriched paddy soils remain unclear. We investigated the effects of continuous flooding (CF) and alternating wet and dry (AWD), two types (cotton straw biochar [BC] and sheep manure [SM]) and concentrations (10 and 50 g·kg−1) of organic amendments on soil Se bioavailability, bacterial community structure in naturally Se-enriched soils (1.69 mg·kg−1). Results showed that 10 g·kg−1 SM treatment was the most effective in increasing Se bioavailability, especially under AWD treatment, whereas BC treatment reduced it. Compared with CF treatment, AWD treatment increased the Se content of root surface iron plaque and rhizosphere affinity for Se, and promoted the conversion of soil weakly organic matter bound Se to soluble-Se and exchangeable-Se. BC and SM addition significantly altered soil solution Fe(II), dissolved organic carbon, and soil bacterial community structure and function, including sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (Thiobacillus) and Se-reducing bacteria (Pseudarthrobacter), under different water management regimes. Notably, these bacteria showed a significant correlation with bioavailable Se. The present study provides theoretical guidance for agronomic practices in Se-enriched paddy soils.