Straw removal or non-removal affects cadmium (Cd) accumulation in soil–rice (Oryza sativa L.) system at different ambient air Cd levels

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 344; p. 118477
• Main Authors: Luo, Si, Liu, Yuling, Luo, Bihao, Yang, Yihao, Li, Li, Fu, Xin, Peng, Liang, Zeng, Qingru
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 15-10-2023
• Subjects: Atmospheric deposition; Rice tissues; Soil; Straw; Soil; Cd; Atmospheric deposition; Rice tissues; Straw
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118477

Despite the potential importance of the removal of contaminated straw for heavy metal output from agricultural soils, previous studies have primarily focused on the variation in the metal concentration without considering the impact input of heavy metals from atmospheric deposition. Here, rice was grown under field conditions, and, as a reference, in a deposition-free environment, and exposed to different ambient air Cd levels. Two consecutive years of pot experiments were conducted in two study areas (ZZ and LY) to examine the changes in soil physicochemical properties as well as Cd accumulation in the soil–rice (Oryza sativa L.) system in response to straw return or removal. The results showed that rice straw return enhanced the soil pH and organic matter (OM) content, but reduced the soil redox potential (Eh); and the variation in amplitude increased with number of cultivation years. After two years of cultivation, the concentrations of soil total Cd and extractable Cd in the straw-removal treatments reduced by 9.89–29.49% and 4.88–37.74%, respectively, whereas those in the straw-return treatments exhibited a slight decrease, or even an increase. This indicated that straw removal could effectively reduce the concentration and bioavailability of Cd in contaminated farmland, which was further confirmed by the results for accumulation of Cd in rice tissues. In addition, the contribution from atmospheric deposition was confirmed by the greater variation in Cd concentration in soils and rice tissues under deposition-free conditions. A major implication of our findings is that the adoption of reasonable straw-treatment measures and proper control over ambient air heavy metals can promote the remediation efficiency of Cd-contaminated fields.
[Display omitted]
•Rice straw removal can significantly reduce the concentrations of Cd in soil.•Cd accumulation in rice under straw removal was lower than that under straw return.•Deposition isolation resulted in higher remediation efficiency via straw removal.•Deposited Cd had greater impact on rice grains in the high deposition flux area.•Effects of straw treatments on extractable Cd were greater than total Cd in soil.