Effect of Exogenous Cd Pollution on Red Soil and Wheat

Abstract

Cadmium is a toxic element and highly mobile in soil. Cadmium can inhibit the growth and development of crops, leading to reduced yield and quality. The objectives of this experiment were (1) to determine the effect of exogenous Cd pollution on Cd concentration in red soil and (2) to measure the effect of exogenous Cd pollution on Cd uptake and yield of wheat. The wheat cultivar was Wanmai 52. The study was done in Yujiang county, Yingtan city, Jiangxi province. Three Cd concentrations of 0, 0.3, 0.6 mg/kg were applied in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Cadmium concentrations were determined with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results indicated that exogenous Cd pollution had no significant effect on the grain yield, straw biomass, and total above ground biomass. The total soil Cd concentration increased significantly after Cd contamination. The Cd concentration in the 0.6 mg/kg treatment was nearly three times that in the 0.3 mg/kg treatment. Exogenous Cd pollution significantly increased Cd uptake by wheat grain. The uptake increased as Cd concentration increased. The effects of Cd pollution on Cd uptake by wheat and above ground biomass were not significant. In conclusion, the control of exogenous Cd input to soil is the fundamental way to reduce soil Cd pollution and improve crop quality.