Zn Deficiency-Cd Contaminated Soils: The Effect of Zn Fertilization on the Uptake of Cd and Some Nutrient Elements by Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Plants

In recent years, the use of micronutrients such as Zn has become a practical approach to mitigate the harmful effects of metals. This research aimed to examine the effect of Zn fertilization on the concentrations of Cd and some nutrients in wheat in Cd-contaminated soil with excessive lime and Zn deficiency. Five different Zn doses Zn₀:0, Zn₁:3, Zn₂:6, Zn₃:9, and Zn₄:12 mg kg-1 were applied in three replicates to soils contaminated with 20 mg kg-1 Cd according to a completely randomized design. The study found that while Zn₂ application reduced Cd concentrations, the other Zn applications increased Zn and Fe concentrations in the plants. Zinc showed a positive relationship with Mg in all applications, while Zn showed a positive relationship with K and Ca in all applications except for the Zn4. Specifically, in the Zn2, Zn, Cu, K, and Ca were taken up at the highest levels, while Cd, Ni, and P were taken up at the lowest levels. As a result of this study, it was observed that Zn-fertilization in a Zn-deficient, Cd-contaminated soil was insufficient to alleviate Cd uptake in wheat plants, and it can be concluded that the relationship between Zn and Cd and other elements is controversial and may vary depending on the dose, soil properties, the part of the plant, and the growth period. In future studies, applying different Cd and Zn concentrations and measuring them in different plant organs at different stages will contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between Zn and Cd.