Soil & Water Res., 2015, 10(3):181-188 | DOI: 10.17221/281/2014-SWR

Using basalt flour and brown algae to improve biological properties of soil contaminated with cadmiumOriginal Paper

Magdalena ZABOROWSKA, Jan KUCHARSKI, Jadwiga WYSZKOWSKA

Department of Microbiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland

In order to achieve homeostasis of soil, the potential of alleviating substances (two innovative: basalt flour and brown algae extract against two classic compounds: barley straw and compost) were analyzed in soil contaminated with cadmium. The studies thus determined the activity of urease, number of ammonification bacteria, nitrogen-immobilizing bacteria, Arthrobacter sp., Azotobacter sp., and spring barley yield. The analyzed parameters were presented as the following indices: RS - resistance of soil; EF - fertilization effect of an alleviating substance; and R:S - rhizosphere effect. Cadmium was applied as CdCl₂∙2.5H₂O at the following doses: 0, 4, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 mg Cd²⁺/kgof soil. Straw increased the values of most examined parameters, mainly at lower doses of cadmium. Among the cultivated plants, resistance was most stimulated by compost. Basalt flour and brown algae extract did not play a major role in the recovery of contaminated soil. Ammonification bacteria were the least sensitive to stress associated with the deposition of cadmium in soil, whereas Azotobacter sp. was the most sensitive. Urease was found to be a reliable indicator of soil condition.

Keywords: cadmium; fertilizing substances; microorganisms; soil; urease

Published: September 30, 2015  Show citation