Growth, biochemical response and nutritional status of Angico-Vermelho (Parapiptadenia rigida (Bentham) Brenan) under the application of soil amendment in Cu-contaminated soil

Abstract

Forest species Angico-Vermelho (Parapiptadenia rigida (Bentham) Brenan) is an alternative for the revegetation of areas contaminated with high levels of heavy metals such as copper (Cu). However, excess Cu may cause toxicity to plants, which is why the use of soil amendments can facilitate cultivation by reducing the availability of Cu in the soil. The aim of this study was to assess how the use of amendment can contribute to growth and nutritional status as well as reduce oxidative stress in Angico-Vermelho grown in Cu-contaminated soil. Samples of a Typic Hapludalf soil containing high Cu content were used for the application of four amendments (limestone, organic compost, Ca silicate and zeolite), in addition to a control treatment. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design, with four replicates. The use of amendments decreased Cu content available in soil and contributed to improve both plant nutritional status and its antioxidant response expressed by enzymatic activity. The application of the amendments, especially zeolite and Ca silicate, increased dry matter yield of Angico-Vermelho. Thus, the results presented here suggest that the use of amendments contributes to improving Cu-contaminated soils and favors revegetation with Angico-Vermelho.

Keywords:

• Phytotoxicity
• heavy metals
• forest species