Skip to main content
ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Adaptive Cropping Systems Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #276394

Title: Effects of biosolids and FGD-gypsum amended soil on metal uptake by lettuce and Edamame soybean and nodules development

Author
item Codling, Eton
item HIRPASSA, W - University Of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)
item GREEN, B - University Of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES)

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/20/2011
Publication Date: 2/22/2012
Citation: Codling, E.E., Hirpassa, W., Green, B. 2012. Effects of biosolids and FGD-gypsum amended soil on metal uptake by lettuce and Edamame soybean and nodules development. Meeting Abstract. UMD Eastern Shore Regional Research Symposium Booklet, page 9.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Biosolids and flue gas desulfurization (FGD)-gypsum amended soils are a rich nutrient source for plant growth and could reduce soil contamination by synthetic fertilizers. According to previous studies, these soil amendments have also enhanced some rhizobacteria (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) in the rhizosphere of the soybean. Lettuce and Edamame soybean (vegetable soybean), two specialty crops, could utilize these amendments. However, some studies have indicated concerns of absorption of heavy metals in crops grown in those soils. Therefore, a greenhouse study was conducted at the ARS Environmental Management By-Product Utilization Laboratory in Beltsville, MD to determine the uptake of heavy metals (cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, nickel, and zinc) in lettuce and Edamame soybean grown in these amended soils; effect of Biosolids and FGD–gypsum soil on Rhizobium nodulation of soybean; and long-term effect of these amended soils on heavy metal uptake in these crops. Lettuce and soybean (pre-soaked with B. japonicum) seeds were planted in pots, six treatments total including control, with high and low levels of biosolids and FGD-gypsum additives and the experiment was conducted under controlled environment growth room conditions. Plants will be harvested at select growth stages and analyzed for heavy metals uptake (initially and over time), nodulation rate of soybean, and Rhizobium activity. The results should support the U.S. EPA standards (40 CER, part 503) and the hypothesis of this study that there will be no negative effects on lettuce or Edamame soybean uptake of heavy metals, soybean nodule development, or Rhizobium activity in the rhizosphere, initially and over time.