Cotton straw biochar and Bacillus compound biofertilizer decreased Cd migration in alkaline soil: Insights from relationship between soil key metabolites and key bacteria

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) contamination greatly impacts soil health and ecological environment. In recent years, cotton straw biochar and Bacillus compound biofertilizer have been paid much attention in the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils. In this study, the effects of cotton straw biochar (3%, w/w) and Bacillus compound biofertilizer (1.5%, w/w) on the Cd fractions, Cd migration, bacterial community succession, and metabolites in the soils with different concentrations of Cd (1, 2, and 4 mg kg−1) were explored. The results showed that the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota, Acidobacteriota, Firmicutes, and Cyanobacteric and soil enzyme activities in Cd-contaminated soils decreased, and the soil metabolic pathways also changed compared with those in the control. After the application of cotton straw biochar and Bacillus compound biofertilizer, the soil available Cd concentration in Cd-contaminated soils decreased, and many exchangeable and carbonate-bound Cd were transformed into residual Cd, which decreased the bioavailability of Cd in the soil and the accumulation of Cd in cotton organs. In addition, the application of cotton straw biochar and Bacillus compound biofertilizer improved the activity of soil enzymes and the abundance of dominant bacteria and stimulated Verrucomicrobiota, Methylomirabilota, and Cyanobacteria to secrete organic acids and amino acid compounds, which decreased the toxicity of Cd. Besides, compared with cotton straw biochar, Bacillus compound biofertilizer was more effective in immobilizing Cd and improving soil environment. This study provides guidance for the remediation of Cd-contaminated alkaline soil, and makes contributions to the soil health and sustainable development.