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Soil lithium affects carrot growth by changing cation concentrations and physiological attributes

Author

Listed:
  • Hafiz Faiq Bakhat

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, Comsats University Islamabad Vehari-Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan)

  • Kunwar Rasul

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, Comsats University Islamabad Vehari-Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan)

  • Abu Bakr Umer Farooq

    (Department of Biotechnology, Comsats University Islamabad Vehari-Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan)

  • Hafiz Mohkum Hammad

    (Department of Agronomy, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan)

  • Saira Afzal

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, Comsats University Islamabad Vehari-Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan)

  • Sunaina Abbas

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, Comsats University Islamabad Vehari-Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan)

  • Ghulam Mustafa Shah

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, Comsats University Islamabad Vehari-Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan)

  • Faiz Rabbani

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, Comsats University Islamabad Vehari-Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan)

  • Shah Fahad

    (Department of Agronomy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan)

  • Gabrijel Ondrasek

    (Department of Soil Amelioration, Faculty of Agriculture University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Muhammad Imtiaz Rashid

    (Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Lithium (Li) plays a significant role in human physiology and psychology; however, it is non-essential for plants. The extensive use of Li in industrial processes and battery-powered devices poses a potential global threat to living organisms. This study assessed the impact of varying soil Li concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg) on carrot (Daucus carota L.) plants. Results revealed that Li concentrations exceeding 40 mg/kg soil had detrimental effects on carrot growth. Compared to 0 mg/kg soil, Li concentrations of 60 and 80 mg/kg reduced shoot fresh biomass by 51% and 82%, respectively, and root fresh biomass by 68% and 89%, respectively. Elevated Li levels in the soil also increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content in shoots and triggered enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Additionally, soil Li disrupted the uptake and translocation of essential nutrients such as potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) from roots to shoots. This study concludes that while low Li levels may elicit a positive response in plants, higher concentrations significantly impair growth and could contribute to the accumulation of Li in the food chain.

Suggested Citation

  • Hafiz Faiq Bakhat & Kunwar Rasul & Abu Bakr Umer Farooq & Hafiz Mohkum Hammad & Saira Afzal & Sunaina Abbas & Ghulam Mustafa Shah & Faiz Rabbani & Shah Fahad & Gabrijel Ondrasek & Muhammad Imtiaz Rash, 2025. "Soil lithium affects carrot growth by changing cation concentrations and physiological attributes," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 71(4), pages 259-268.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:71:y:2025:i:4:id:19-2025-pse
    DOI: 10.17221/19/2025-PSE
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