Effects of biochar applications on tomato plant under cadmium metal stress and on soil cadmium characteristics

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was carried out in order to determine the effects of biochar on soil Cd fractions, Cd mobility and bioavailability, Cd concentration and uptake of the tomato plant, and plant stress indicators. In the factorial experiment design, Cd metals and biochar were applied to the experimental soil. After incubation of 3 months, a tomato plant was grown and experimental soil was analyzed. The bioavailable Cd content in the soil and the soluble and exchangeable amounts of Cd in the soil fractions, Cd content and Cd uptake in the plant were significantly increased by Cd applications to the soil. Cd metal applied to the soil increased the stress indicators in a tomato plant and decreased the plant biomass values significantly. Biochar applications significantly reduced the soluble and exchangeable forms of Cd and the metal mobility factor of Cd in the soil. Depending on biochar applications, biomass values of the tomato plant was increased, and Cd concentration and Cd uptake of the plant were decreased.