Intercropping with Solanum species decreases cadmium uptake and increases phosphorus and potassium uptakes in Amygdalus persica

Abstract

AbstractIntercropping with hyperaccumulators can decrease the cadmium (Cd) uptake in non‐hyperaccumulators, but there are few studies on fruit trees. To decrease the Cd uptake in fruit trees, three Cd‐hyperaccumulator Solanum species (Solanum nigrum var. humile, Solanum americanum, and Solanum photeinocarpum) were intercropped with Amygdalus persica seedlings, and the effects of intercropping with Solanum species on the Cd and nutrient uptakes in A. persica were studied. Intercropping with S. nigrum var. humile increased the biomass of A. persica, while intercropping with S. americanum and S. photeinocarpum decreased that. Intercropping with A. persica increased the biomass of three Solanum species. Intercropping promoted the phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) uptakes in both A. persica and Solanum species. For Cd uptake, intercropping reduced the Cd uptake in A. persica and enhanced the Cd uptake and extraction in Solanum species. Correlation analysis showed that the Cd and K had antagonistic effect in aboveground of A. persica. Therefore, A. persica intercropped with Solanum species can reduce the Cd uptake in A. persica and improve the phytoremediation abilities of Solanum species, which is suitable for the Cd‐contaminated peach orchard.