Effects of intercropping on cadmium uptake by maize and tomato

Abstract:

In order to explore the effect of intercropping on the uptake of heavy metal cadmium (Cd), pot experiments were undertaken using three different planting methods: monoculture, restrictive intercropping and intercropping. The effects of Cd accumulation in different plant parts, and their causes, were examined using a plant species regarded as a relatively high heavy metal accumulator (tomato: Lycopersicon esculentum var. Zhongshu 4) and a species regarded as a relatively low heavy metal accumulator (maize: Zea mays L. var. Jinzhumi). Cd levels for all experiments were 3.70 mg/kg. Results indicate that restricted intercropping and intercropping of tomato and maize increased the accumulation of Cd (from 13.52 mg/kg to 24.94 mg/kg and 27.30 mg/kg in tomato leaf, respectively). Compared with the control group, pH levels in soil surrounding tomato roots in the intercropped samples decreased and the activity of acid phosphatase increased, while the activity of urease decreased. Intercropping can also change the structure of the crop root microorganism population, increase the abundance of microbiological species that promote the uptake of heavy metals, and finally achieve high accumulation of Cd in tomatoes. Our research results provide reference for controlling soil heavy metal pollution and ensuring food safety by using an intercropping model.