Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Changes on the Phytoavailability of Nutrients in a Mine Soil Reclaimed with Compost and Biochar

  • Published:
Water, Air, & Soil Pollution Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Mine soils often contain high levels of metals that produce serious environmental problems and poor fertility conditions that limit their reclamation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a compost and biochar amendment on the nutrient phytoavailability in a mine soil from the depleted copper mine of Touro (Spain). For this purpose, a greenhouse experiment was carried out amending the mine soil with increasing proportions (20, 40, 80 and 100%) of the compost and biochar mixture and planting Brassica juncea plants. The results revealed that the mine soil had an extremely acid pH and low fertility conditions and was affected by copper contamination. The addition of compost and biochar to the mine soil increased soil pH values (from 2.7 to 8.7), total carbon (from undetectable values to 149 g kg−1) and total nitrogen (from undetectable values to 11,130 mg kg−1) contents and phytoavailable concentrations of K, Mg, Na and P and promoted plant growth, since B. juncea plants did not survive in the untreated mine soil. The application of amendment decreased the phytoavailable concentration of Al, Co, Cu, Fe and Ni in the soil, resulting in a reduction of copper toxicity. The use of compost and biochar as a soil amendment combined with B. juncea plants could be an efficient strategy for the reclamation of degraded soils with low fertility conditions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abujabhah, I. S., Bound, S. A., Doyle, R., & Bowman, J. P. (2016). Effects of biochar and compost amendments on soil physico-chemical properties and the total community within a temperate agricultural soil. Applied Soil Ecology, 98, 243–253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Agegnehu, G., Bass, A. M., Nelson, P. N., Muirhead, B., Wright, G., & Bird, M. I. (2015). Biochar and biochar-compost as soil amendments: effects on peanut yield, soil properties and greenhouse gas emissions in tropical North Queensland, Australia. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 213, 72–85.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alvarenga, P., Gonçalves, A. P., Fernandes, R. M., Varennes, A., Vallini, G., Duarte, E., & Cunha-Queda, A. C. (2008). Evaluation of composts and liming materials in the phytostabilization of a mine soil using perennial ryegrass. Science of the Total Environment, 406, 43–56.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Babu, D. N., Prasadini, P. P., Ramesh, T., & Prasad, J. V. N. S. (2014). Effective microbial compost—an alternative nitrogen source to crops under climate change scenario. Ecology, Environment and Conservation, 20, S435–S438.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baldantoni, D., De Nicola, F., & Alfani, A. (2010). Can compost applications affect metal and PAH contents in Mediterranean agricultural soils? Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 19, 1735–1740.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beesley, L., Moreno-Jiménez, E., Gomez-Eyles, J. L., Harris, E., Robinson, B., & Sizmur, T. (2011). A review of biochars’ potential role in the remediation, revegetation and restoration of contaminated soils. Environmental Pollution, 159, 3269–3282.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bolan, N., Adriano, D., & Mahimairaja, S. (2004). Distribution and bioavailability of trace elements in livestock and poultry manure by-products. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 34, 291–338.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bougnom, B. P., Mair, J., Etoa, F. X., & Insam, H. (2009). Composts with wood ash addition: a risk or a chance for ameliorating acid tropical soils? Geoderma, 153, 402–407.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dickinson, N.M., (2000). Strategies for sustainable woodland on contaminated soils. Chemosphere, 41, 259e263.

  • Elmaslar Özbaş, E. (2015). The use of municipal solid waste compost in contaminated soil to reduce the availability of Ni and Cd: a study from Istanbul. Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy, 34, 1372–1378.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fowles, M. (2007). Black carbon sequestration as an alternative to bioenergy. Biomass and Bioenergy, 31, 426–432.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fu, X., Shao, M., Wei, X., & Horton, R. (2010). Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen as affected by vegetation types in Northern Loess Plateau of China. Geoderma, 155, 31–35.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gajalakshmi, S., & Abbasi, S. A. (2008). Solid waste management by composting: state of the art. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 38, 311–400.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gall, J. E., & Rajakaruna, N. (2013). The physiology, functional genomics, and applied ecology of heavy metal-tolerant Brassicaceae. In M. Lang (Ed.), Brassicaceae: characterization, functional genomics and health benefits (pp. 121–148). New York: Nova.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garbisu, G., & Alkorta, I. (2001). Phytoextraction: a cost-effective plant-based technology for the removal of metals from the environment. Bioresource Technology, 77, 229–236.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • González-Ubierna, S., Jorge-Mardomingo, I., Carrero-González, B., de la Cruz, M. T., & Casermeiro, M. Á. (2012). Soil organic matter evolution after the application of high doses of organic amendments in a Mediterranean calcareous soil. Journal of Soils and Sediments, 12, 1257–1268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Houba, V. J. G., Temminghoff, E. J. M., Gaikhorst, G. A., & Van Vark, W. (2000). Soil analysis procedures using 0.01 M calcium chloride as extraction reagent. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 31, 1299–1396.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Iovieno, P., Baldantoni, D., De Nicola, F., Alfani, A., Morra, L., & Zaccardelli, M. (2006). Multidisciplinary approach to validate compost use in vegetable crop systems of Campania region (Italy): influence of compost rates on soil biological activity and heavy metal content. Acta Horticulturae, 700, 272–274.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kabata-Pendias, A. (2011). Trace elements in soils and plants (4th ed.). Boca Raton: CRC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karami, N., Clemente, R., Moreno-Jiménez, E., Lepp, N. W., & Beesley, L. (2011). Efficiency of green waste compost and biochar soil amendments for reducing lead and copper mobility and uptake to ryegrass. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 191, 41–48.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karer, J., Wawra, A., Zehetner, F., Dunst, G., Wagner, M., Pavel, P.-B., Puschenreiter, M., Friesl-Hanl, W., & Soja, G. (2015). Effects of biochars and compost mixtures and inorganic additives on immobilisation of heavy metals in contaminated soils. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 226, 342.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kargar, M., Clark, O. G., Hendershot, W. H., Jutras, P., & Prasher, S. O. (2015). Immobilization of trace metals in contaminated urban soil amended with compost and biochar. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 226, 191.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kohler, J., Caravaca, F., Azcón, R., Díaz, G., & Roldán, A. (2014). Selection of plant species–organic amendment combinations to assure plant establishment and soil microbial function recovery in the phytostabilization of a metal-contaminated soil. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 225, 1930.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lannan, A. P., Erich, M. S., & Ohno, T. (2013). Compost feedstock and maturity level affect soil response to amendment. Biology and Fertility of Soils, 49, 273–285.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, J., Schulz, H., Brandl, S., Miehtke, H., Huwe, B., & Glaser, B. (2012). Short-term effect of biochar and compost on soil fertility and water status of a Dystric Cambisol in NE Germany under field conditions. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 175, 698–707.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, J.-B., Zhang, Y.-Q., Wu, B., Qin, S.-G., Jia, X., Fa, K.-Y., Feng, W., & Lai, Z.-R. (2015). Effect of vegetation rehabilitation on soil carbon and its fractions in Mu Us Desert, Northwest China. International Journal of Phytoremediation, 17, 529–537.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Macías, F., & Calvo de Anta, R. (2009). Niveles genéricos de referencia de metales pesados y otros elementos traza en los suelos de Galicia. Spain: Xunta de Galicia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Madejón, P., Alaejos, J., García-Álbala, J., Fernández, M., & Madejón, E. (2016). Three-year study of fast-growing trees in degraded soils amended with composts: effects on soil fertility and productivity. Journal of Environmental Management, 169, 18–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manzano, R., Peñalosa, J. M., & Esteban, E. (2014). Amendment application in a multicontaminated mine soil: effects on trace element mobility. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 225, 1874.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marx, E.S., Hart, T., & Stevens, R.G. (1999). Soil test interpretation guide (p. 7). Oregon, USA.

  • Montiel-Rozas, M. M., Madejón, E., & Madejón, P. (2015). Evaluation of phytostabilizer ability of three ruderal plants in mining soils restored by application of organic amendments. Ecological Engineering, 83, 431–436.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mourato, M. P., Moreira, I. N., Leitão, I., Pinto, F. R., Sales, J. R., & Martins, L. L. (2015). Effect of heavy metals in plants of the genus Brassica. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16, 17975–17998.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pérez-De-Mora, A., Madejón, P., Burgos, P., Cabrera, F., Lepp, N. W., & Madejón, E. (2011). Phytostabilization of semiarid soils residually contaminated with trace elements using by-products: sustainability and risks. Environmental Pollution, 159, 3018–3027.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Porta, J., López-Acevedo, M., & Rodríguez, R. (1986). Técnicas y experimentos en Edafología. Barcelona: Collegi Oficial D’Enginyers Agrònoms de Catalunya.

  • Puig, C. G., Álvarez-Iglesias, L., Reigosa, M. J., & Pedrol, N. (2013). Eucalyptus globulus leaves incorporated as green manure for weed control in maize. Weed Science, 61, 154–161.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rodríguez-Vila, A., Asensio, V., Forján, R., & Covelo, E. F. (2015). Chemical fractionation of Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in a mine soil amended with compost and biochar and vegetated with Brassica juncea L. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 158, 74–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaheen, S. M., Tsadilas, C. D., & Rinklebe, J. (2013). A review of the distribution coefficient of trace elements in soils: influence of sorption system, element characteristics, and soil colloidal properties. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 201–202, 43–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soumaré, M., Tack, F. M. G., & Verloo, M. G. (2007). Redistribution and availability of iron, manganese, zinc, and copper in four Malian agricultural soils amended with solid municipal waste compost. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 38, 2567–2579.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stevenson, F. J., & Ardakani, M. S. (1972). Organic matter reactions involving micronutrients in soils. In J. J. Mortvedt, P. M. Giordano, & W. L. Lindsay (Eds.), Micronutrients in agriculture (pp. 79–114). Madison: Soil Science Society of America.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang, X., Liu, S., Liu, J., & Zhou, G. (2010). Effects of vegetation restoration and slope positions on soil aggregation and soil carbon accumulation on heavily eroded tropical land of Southern China. Journal of Soils and Sediments, 10, 505–513.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • USDA, (1998). Soil quality indicators: pH.

  • Van Ginneken, L., Meers, E., Guisson, R., Ruttens, A., Elst, K., Tack, F. M. G., Vangronsveld, J., Diels, L., & Dejonghe, W. (2007). Phytoremediation for heavy metal-contaminated soils combined with bioenergy production. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, 15, 227–236.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, L., Sun, X., Li, S., Zhang, T., Zhang, W., & Zhai, P. (2014). Application of organic amendments to a coastal saline soil in north China: effects on soil physical and chemical properties and tree growth. PLoS ONE, 9, e89185.

  • Wong, J. W. C., & Selvam, A. (2009). Growth and elemental accumulation of plants grown in acidic soil amended with coal fly ash-sewage sludge co-compost. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 57, 515–523.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the anonymous reviewers for their comments, which helped to improve the quality of this article.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plant Biology and Soil Science, Faculty of Biology, University of Vigo, Lagoas, Marcosende, 36310, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain

    Alfonso Rodríguez-Vila, Rubén Forján & Emma F. Covelo

  2. Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of Amazonia (ICA-UFRA), 2501, Belém, PA, 66077-830, Brazil

    Rafael S. Guedes

Authors
  1. Alfonso Rodríguez-Vila
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rubén Forján
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Rafael S. Guedes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Emma F. Covelo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alfonso Rodríguez-Vila.

Ethics declarations

The present research did not involve any human participants and/or animals.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Rodríguez-Vila, A., Forján, R., Guedes, R.S. et al. Changes on the Phytoavailability of Nutrients in a Mine Soil Reclaimed with Compost and Biochar. Water Air Soil Pollut 227, 453 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-016-3155-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-016-3155-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation