Organic amendments mitigate Pb toxicity in maize: Unravelling root functional traits and morpho-physiological...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Agronomy
• Soil Science

Background:

• Lead (Pb) contamination poses significant risks to agricultural productivity and soil health.
• Previous research often studied organic amendments individually, leaving synergistic effects unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the combined potential of vermicompost and biogas slurry in mitigating lead toxicity in maize.
• To evaluate the interactive effects of these amendments on maize seedling growth, root traits, and photosynthetic indices.

Main Methods:

• A controlled two-factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design.
• Four lead (Pb) levels and four organic amendment rates were applied to maize.
• Measurements included germination, root architecture, plant growth, and photosynthetic pigments.

Main Results:

• Lead toxicity significantly reduced seed germination, root development, and plant growth, while decreasing photosynthetic pigments.
• Organic amendments enhanced root structural recovery, including enlarged metaxylem vessels and thickened cortex.
• Combined application of vermicompost and biogas slurry improved leaf area, dry weight, and photosynthetic pigment content.

Conclusions:

• Integrated use of vermicompost and biogas slurry offers a sustainable strategy for remediating Pb-contaminated soils.
• This approach enhances plant resilience by improving root architecture, germination, and photosynthetic performance.
• The study highlights the synergistic benefits of combining these organic amendments for soil functionality.