World Applied Sciences Journal 30 (12): 1877-1881, 2014 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2014 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2014.30.12.19

Performance of River Saltbush ( amnicola) Grown on Contaminated Soils as Affected by Organic Fertilization

Mamdouh A. Eissa

Department of Soils and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt

Abstract: Chenopod accumulate Na, K and Cl. There is little information available on the factors affecting the accumulation of these and other minerals in these . A field experiment was conducted out to study the accumulation of Na, Cl, K, N, Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and Mn in Atriplex amnicola grown on contaminated soils. Compost at rates of 0, 15 and 30 ton ha 1 was used to assay its role in growth and nutrient uptake. Compost application significantly increased N and P concentrations in the shoots of river saltbush; on the other hand it decreased Zn and Pb concentrations. Biomass yield, crude protein and ash content of river saltbush increased significantly by compost application. Despite the extremely high total micronutrients and heavy metals concentrations in the studied soil, river saltbush plants were able to maintain shoot elements below the toxic level. Contaminated soils can be managed by planting A. amnicola together with compost addition.

Key words:

INTRODUCTION maintain Hms in solution through the formation of low-molecular-weight organometallic complexes [6]. Halophytes are plants that can tolerate and grow on There is little information about many species of soils having high salt concentration and be irrigated with Atriplex grown in contaminated soils also the response the highly saline water. They show various physiological of them to organic fertilizations is rare. This paper adaptations that enable them to grow under high salinity focuses on some properties of A. amnicola grown conditions. Among the halophyte flora, species belonging contaminated soils as affected by compost treatments. to the genus Atriplex may be of special interest because of their high biomass production associated with a deep MATERIALS AND METHODS root system able to cope with the poor structure and xeric characteristics of several polluted substrates. Field Experiment: Field experiment was conducted out These species also naturally produce high amounts of at Ellwan, Assiut Governorate, Egypt (27 11 43 N and 31 oxalic acid, which may assume positive functions in 04 19) where the soil have been irrigated with untreated tolerance mechanisms to heavy metal stress [1-3]. Some sewage waste water for more than 50 years. Seeds of plants belong to Atriplex genus can tolerate high HMs Atriplex amnicola were soaked in water for three days levels in soils [4] and translocate low amount of them to with renewal of water every day. Soaked seeds were their shoots [3] also some plants of Atriplex species can placed in pots filled with washed sand and irrigated as used as a hyperaccumlater in the phytoremediation needed. After 30 days the length of seedlings reached to technique [5]. In contaminated soils, humic substances about 15 cm. One month-old seedlings of the shrubs in mature composts form insoluble complexes with HMs, were transplanted in the field in summer of 2013 at 1x1 m reducing their solubility, whereas the fulvic acid fraction, spacing and the plot area was 2x5 m2 . Compost at rates of proteins, organic acids and carbohydrates of pig slurry 0, 15 and 30 ton ha 1 were used. Randomized complete

Corresponding Author: Mamdouh A. Eissa, Department of Soils and Water, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt.

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Table 1: The physical and chemical characteristics of the studied soil Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu Cd and Pb. The physical and chemical Soil properties of the studied soil (mg/kg) characteristics as well as the concentrations of available 1 ------Total mg kg and total heavy metals of the treated soils under study Clay % 4.91 ------are presented in Table 1. This soil was classified as a Silt % 7.35 Fe 7000 Sand % 87.74 Zn 180 Typic Torripsamments. Texture Sandy Mn 400 Plant samples and compost were digested in H24 SO

CaCO3 % 7.8 Cu 58 and H22 O as described by Parkinson and Allen [13], then pH (1:1) 7.25 Pb 130 analyzed for different elements according to the standard Organic matter % 2.55 Cd 2.11 method described above. Compost pH was measured 1 EC (1:1) dS/m 1.8 Available mg kg using a digital pH meter in a 1:5 suspension of Total nitrogen % 0.06 ------compost-to-water ratio. The electrical conductivity (EC) Available P mg/kg 12 Fe 24 Available K mg/kg 200 Zn 4.54 was estimated in 1:5 compost to water extract using the Soluble Ca (mmol/L) 4.5 Mn 8.24 salt bridge method [9]. Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu Cd and Pb for soil, Soluble Mg (mmol/L) 0.32 Cu 5.22 plant and compost samples were measured by Inductivity Soluble Na (mmol/L) 5.1 Pb 6.34 Coupled Plasma Emission ICP 6200. Soluble Cl (mmol/L) 7.3 Cd 0.50 block design with 3 replications was used. The studied Statistical Analysis: The means were compared using plants were harvested after 90 day of transplanting. the least significant difference (LSD) values at a 5% level Shoots were washed with tap water twice and rinsed of significance. The collected data were statically with distilled water then oven-dried at 70 C to a constant analyzed using MSTAT computer program as described weight and kept for analysis. by Freed et al. [14]

Soil, Compost and Plant Analysis: Particle-size RESULTS AND DISCUSSION distribution of the soil was performed using the pipette method described by Jackson [7]. Soil pH was measured Effect of Compost Fertilization on Fresh and Dry Weight, using a digital pH meter in a 1:1 suspension of soil-to- Plant Height, Ash and Crud Protein of Atriplex water ratio. Organic matter content of the soil was Amnicola: Organic fertilizers can be a valuable as determined using the dichromate oxidation method inexpensive soil conditioner and source of plant nutrients described by Wakley and Black [7]. Total carbonates in and positive effects of organic fertilization on soil have the soil were estimated gasometrically using a Collins been reported in several studies. For example, organic calcimeter and calculated as CaCO3 [8]. The electrical fertilizer application can increase soil nitrogen and conductivity (EC) was estimated in 1:1 soil to water extract phosphorous contents [15], improve soil structure and using the salt bridge method [9]. Total nitrogen was water holding capacity [16], increase microbial biomass determined using micro-kjeldahl method [7]. Available [17], reduce the need for chemical weed control [18] and phosphorus was extracted by 0.5 M Sodium bicarbonate suppress plant diseases [19]. The application of organic solution at pH 8.5 according to Olsen et al. [10] and amendments such as manure and compost favors plant phosphorus was determined colorimetrically using the growth and development. The fresh and dry shoot chlorostannous-phosphomolybdic acid method [7]. biomass yield of the plants is shown in (table, 3). In this Available potassium in the soil sample was extracted by study we found that Atriplex amnicola plants were 1 N ammonium acetate at pH 7.00 and measured by flame affected significantly by compost treatments. Increasing photometr also soluble Na [7]. Soluble Ca, Mg and Cl application rate of compost increased the fresh and dry determined by titration according to [7]. DTPA-extractable weight, ash content and crud protein of Atriplex metal: Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu Cd and Pb were extracted from the amnicola. The high level of compost increased the fresh studied soil sample using a 0.005M DTPA (diethylen weights by, 11.1 % compared to the control, while the dry triamine penta acetic acid) solution buffered at pH 7.3 as weights increased by 12 %. A. amnicola produced a fresh described by Lindsay and Norvell [11]. The method of weight (900-1000 kg ha 1) and dry weight (500-560 kg Baker and Amacher [12], which involves the digestion of ha 1) during three months. Irshad et al. [20] found that soil samples in a mixture of HF-HNO3 -HClO 42 -H SO 4 in A. amnicola gave more fresh and dry biomass yield Teflon beakers, was used to extract the total content of compared to A. lentiformis and A. undulata and they

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Table 2: Analysis of compost OM % EC pH N % P % K % Ca % Mg % Na % Cl % Fe ppm Zn ppm Mn ppm Cu ppm Cd ppm Pb ppm 65.4 8.42 8.51 2.21 1.58 2.55 1.88 0.74 1.78 1.24 250 152 100 42 0.10 0.55

Table 3: Biomass yield, Plant height, Ash content and crude protein as affected by compost application rate Atriplex species Compost rates(ton /ha) Fresh weight (kg/ha) Dry weight (kg/ha) Plant height (cm) % Ash % Crude protein A. amnicola Control 900 500 25 20.5 19.4 15 950 550 25 23.4 24.3 30 1000 560 25 25.3 26.4 LSD0.05 75 52 ns 3.5 5.2

Table 4: Atriplex amnicola mineral element content (%) as affected by compost application rates Atriplex species Compost rates(ton /ha) N P K Ca Mg Na A. amnicola Control 3.11 0.24 2.33 2.45 0.90 3.00 15 3.88 0.28 2.44 2.50 0.82 2.78 30 4.22 0.27 2.35 2.40 0.86 2.89 LSD0.05 0.92 0.22 ns ns ns ns

Table 5: Atriplex amnicola micronutrients and heavy metals content as affected by compost application rates Fe Zn Mn Cu Cd Pb ------mg kg-1 Atriplex species Compostrates(ton /ha) % Cl ------A. amnicola Control 2.45 400 70 89 24 0.14 8.2 15 2.55 410 65 92 25 0.12 6.5 30 2.77 405 61 85 24 0.17 5.5 LSD0.05 ns ns 6 ns ns ns 2.0 LSD0.05 (least significant difference at 5%) reported that the fresh biomass yield of A. amnicola was were observed among the shoots. Khalil et al. [22] found ranged between 3-4 ton ha 1 and the dry biomass yield that crude protein varied significantly between Atiplex ranged between 1.1-1.5 ton ha 1 for the 9 months old species and ranged between 16-25%. plants. Atriplex halimus grown on contaminated soils responded significantly to the compost treatments and Effect of Compost Fertilization on Macronutrients the shoot biomass increased [21]. Content in Atriplex Amnicola: Plant elemental Ash content of Atriplex plant increased significantly composition is important for plants, animals and humans. as affected by compost treatments. High rates of compost Keeping the concentration in sufficient and below toxic increased ash content by 18.4 % above the control. Ash levels is very important. In this study we focused on the content ranged between (20.5-25.3%) as shown in table 3. concentrations of elemental composition of the river Similar results were recorded by Khalil et al. [22] where saltbush. Nitrogen content of the studied plant responded they found that Atriplex species ash content ranged significantly to the compost treatments (table, 4). between 18-27% Increasing application rate of compost increased the Increasing level of compost significantly increased nitrogen content of the shoot. Nitrogen content ranged the protein content by 36.1% above the control. Crude between 3.11-4.22 %. Increasing rates of compost caused protein in Atriplex amnicola ranged between (19-26%) a significant increase in phosphorus concentrations of (Table, 3). A. amincola treated with 30 t / ha of compost A. amnicola. Phosphorus concentrations in the shoots had the highest value of crude protein (26.4%). Atriplex of studied ranged between 0.24-0.28 percent. amnicola responded significantly to the compost Compost application significantly increased the treatments. Fertilization of river saltbush with compost concentration of N and P of the studied shrub. An increased the ability of these plants to produce more increasing in N, K and P concentration of Atriplex fresh and dry mater and increased the ash content and halimus were found by Martínez-Fernández and Walker crude protein. Considerable variations in the crude protein [21]. A leaf K concentration of 1.56-1.95% is enough for

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maximal growth for A. nummularia [23] and for A. halimus REFERENCES [21], while generally a leaf P concentration of > 0.22 % is needed [24]. 1. Lutts, S., I. Lefe, C. Delpe and S. Kivits, 2004. Heavy metal accumulation by halophyte species J. Effect of Compost Fertilization on Micronutrients and Environ. Qual., 33: 1271-1279 Heavy Metals Content of Atriplex Amnicola: The high 2. Kadukova, J., N. Papadontonakis, G. Naxakis application rate of compost significantly reduced the Zn and N. Kalogerakis, 2004. Lead accumulation and Pb concentrations in the shoots by 12 and 32 % by the salt-tolerant plant Atriplex halimus. respectively. The highly humified OM (e.g. humic acids) In: Moutzouris, C., Christodoulatos, C., in mature composts has a great affinity for HMs, Dermatas, D., Koutsospyros. A, Skanavis C, particularly Cu, cadmium (Cd), Fe and Pb, forming stable, Stamou A (eds) e-Proceedings of the insoluble complexes [6,25] and this may be explain the International Conference on Protection and reduction of Zn and Pb concentrations in the shoots of Restoration of the Environment VII, June 28-July 1, Atriplex amnicola. The soil used in the current study was Mykonos, Greece. rich in P and Fe, which can immobilize Pb in the soil [25]. 3. Sai Kachout, S., J.C. Leclerc, A. Ben Mansoura, Root-to-shoot transfer of Pb by Atriplex species may M.N. Rejeb and Z. Ouerghi, 2009. Effects of Heavy

have been reduced by its precipitation as Pb10 (PO 4 )6Cl 2 Metals on Growth and Bioaccumulation of the on the root surface [26] especially if we not that the Annual Halophytes Atriplex Hortensis and A. soil and compost used in this study contained high Rosea. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, levels of Cl. 5(7): 746-756. Despite the extremely high total micronutrients and 4. Manousaki, E. and N. Kalogerakis, 2009. heavy metals concentrations in the studied soil, plants of Phytoextraction of Pb and Cd by the Mediterranean river saltbush were able to maintain shoot elements bellow saltbush (Atriplex halimus L.): metal uptake in toxic level. Toxicity levels of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd relation to salinity. Environ Sci. Pollut. Res. DOI are 500,300-500,100-400, 20-100, 30-300 and 5-30 mg / kg 10.1007/s11356-009-0224-3 dry weight of plant respectively [27]. Sai Kachou et al. [3] 5. Nedjimia, B. and Y. Daoudb, 2009. Cadmium studied the accumulation of heavy metals by Atriplex accumulation in Atriplex halimus subsp. Hortensis and A. Rosea, This study indicated that schweinfurthii and its influence on growth, proline, Atriplex accumulated metal in roots and translocated few root hydraulic conductivity and nutrient uptake. of these elements in the harvestable parts of the plant. Flora, 204: 316-324. 6. Bernal, M.P., R. Clemente and D.J. Walker, 2009. CONCLUSIONS Interactions of heavy metals with soil organic matter in relation to phytoremediation. In J.P. Atriplex plants, which are a C4 perennial native Navarro-Aviño (Ed.), Phytoremediation: The Green shrub of Mediterranean basin, have an excellent tolerance Salvation of the World (pp. 109-129). Trivandrum: to drought and salinity [4]. In addition, it can be cultivated Research Signpost. using saline irrigation water since often high-quality 7. Jackson, M.L., 1973. Soil chemical analysis. irrigation water is not available for crops in arid regions Prentic- Hall, Inc., Engle wood Cliffs, NJ, USA. and brackish waters must be used. These plants could be 8. Nelson, R.E., 1982. Carbonate and gypsum. used to treat contaminated soils. The current findings P. 181-198 In A.L. Page, R.H. Miller and D.R. show the ability of A. amnicola to minimize HMs Keeney. Methods of soil analysis, part 2. accumulation in their aerial parts and hence their potential Chemical and microbiological properties 2nd for use in phytostabilisation. Biomass yield production edition. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Inc., Madison, WI, and nutritive value of these plants increased by compost USA. application in the other side it reduced the uptake of HMs 9. Rhoades, J.D., 1982. Soluble salts. P.167-180 In in the harvestable part. This shrub together with compost A.L. Page, R.H. Miller and D.R. Keeney. Methods of can be used for contaminated soils, where the plant soil analysis, part 2. Chemical and microbiological performed well, but further studies are required to confirm properties 2nd edition. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Inc., their productivity and utilization under local conditions. Madison, WI, USA.

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