Research Activities

Impact of Long- And Short-Term Fertilization and Management Practices on Trace Element Dynamics in Crops And Soils

Collaborators

Current summary: A number of trace elements, such as zinc, iron, copper and manganese are essential nutrients. Other trace elements, such as cadmium, can be detrimental to crops, animals and soil microorganisms. Trace element availability to crops and soil organisms will be affected by soil characteristics, crop management, environmental conditions, fertilization and other agronomic practices. The overall objectives of this study are to determine the long- and short-term impacts of fertilization and agronomic management practices on trace element dynamics in crops and soils. This will help us develop practices to enhance crop quality by increasing crop content of essential nutrients while minimizing crop uptake of Cd. We also aim to evaluate microbial bioindicators of Cd contamination and assess the influence of long-term application of Cd in phosphate fertilizer on soil microbial activity. These studies would improve our understanding of the controls of metal transfer from soil to edible plant parts, of interactions of soil microbial activity with trace element accumulation in crops, and of use of soil microorganisms as indicators of trace element stress. Information could also be used for predictive modeling of Cd accumulation as affected by soil and climate characteristics, Cd addition and P fertilization.

Summary Archive: Current | 2007 | 2006

 

Project Metadata

Study/Sampling Design

Randomised complete block field studies are being conducted at seven locations across western Canada to evaluate the impact of long-term application of P fertilizers containing varying levels of Cd on the accumulation of Cd and other trace elements in soils and crops. At an additional two locations, randomised complete block experiments are being conducted to determine the impact of preceding crop and tillage system on Cd accumulation in durum wheat and soybean, mycorrhizal activity and crop Cd and yield response to P fertilization. Soil samples are being collected from the field studies and used in laboratory and growth chamber studies to evaluate Cd speciation and assess phytoavailability under controlled growing conditions. Samples are also being collected from some of the sites to determine impacts on soil microbiological activity.

Number of projects providing material for study: 0

Location of Field Site(s)
Carman, Manitoba (49° 29.7’ N, 98° 2.4’ W)

Brandon, Manitoba (49° 52.0’ N, 99° 58.3’ W)
Phillips, Manitoba (50° 1.2’ N, 99° 53.3’ W)
Sylvania, Saskatchewan (52° 39.7’ N, 104° 04.8’ W)
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta (53° 39.3’ N, 113° 14.8’ W)
Carstairs, Alberta (51° 31.9’ N, 113° 49.9’ W)
Ellerslie, Alberta (53° 25.3’ N, 113° 32.9’ W)

Human Studies

Outcome or Process Studied
--- none provided ---

Exposure Medium, and Metals/Substances Quantified
--- none provided ---

Biological Endpoint(s) Monitored
--- none provided ---

Biota Studied

Species

Durum wheat, flax, soybean
Arbuscular Mycorrhial Fungi (spores, colonization)
Soil Nematode Trophic Groups with identification of major genera

Metals, etc. Quantified
Cd, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Se and other nutrient elements

Biological Endpoint(s)
Accumulation in tissue

Physical Material(s) Studied

Medium/Media
Soil

Metals, etc. Quantified
Cd, P and Zn

Bibliographic References on-file with Secretariat: No

Data Available: Yes

Data Archived with MITHE-SN: No