Effect of fertilization and irrigation on the nickel content of peas and soybeans

Abstract

The effect of fertilization and irrigation on the nickel content of peas and soybeans was studied in an arable land plot experiment on fertilization effects. It was found that the yearly rainfall has a basic influence on the nickel content. The value of the nickel content of peas and soybeans can be twice in that of a dry year than in a wet year. Irrigation decreases the concentration of nickel, too. Fertilization has an opposite effect. With the acidifying effect of a mineral nitrogen fertilizer, heavy metals become more mobilizable thus leading to significant increases of the nickel content in the seeds. A relationship between the nickel and other microelement content of the seeds was studied. A linear relationship between the nickel and iron contents can be observed. The uptake of other heavy metals such as copper is promoted at the beginning of the increase of nickel concentration, however, as it continues to increase, it is hindered.