LAUSR

Abstract China has a large population in comparison with its arable land area, as well as environmental problems caused by metal pollution, leading to significant food supply pressure. Therefore, safe agricultural production in metal-contaminated soil is of great significance. To explore the effectiveness of techniques designed to inhibit metal uptake and accumulation in maize cultivated in calcareous metal-contaminated soil, a pot experiment was performed. Effects of KH2PO4 (P), Na2SiO3 (S), chicken manure (M), bentonite (B), P+M, S+M, P+M+B, and S+M+B on Cd and Pb concentrations in maize grain were assessed. Amendments of P, P+M, and P+M+B fortified into the soil reduced soil Cd and Pb availability significantly and decreased the soil pH, but other amendments did not cause such changes. Results also showed that all tested soil amendments improved maize yield and decreased grain Cd and Pb concentrations. Among the amendments, P + M was most effective. A high dose increased maize yield by 48.2% and 38.9% ...