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Optimizing Potassium Fertilization Combined with Calcium–Magnesium Phosphate Fertilizer Mitigates Rice Cadmium Accumulation: A Multi-Site Field Trial

Author

Listed:
  • Qiying Zhang

    (College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
    Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Weijian Wu

    (College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
    Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yingyue Zhao

    (College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China)

  • Xiaoyu Tan

    (College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
    Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China)

  • Yang Yang

    (College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
    Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China)

  • Qingru Zeng

    (College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
    Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China)

  • Xiao Deng

    (College of Environment and Ecology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
    Yuelushan Laboratory, Changsha 410128, China)

Abstract

Alkaline fertilizers demonstrate significant potential in mitigating rice cadmium (Cd) accumulation, yet the combined effects of calcium–magnesium phosphate (CMP) with potassium (K) fertilizer types and split application strategies remain unclear. Through multi-site field trials in Cd-contaminated paddy soils, we evaluated split applications of K 2 CO 3 , K 2 SO 4 , and K 2 SiO 3 at tillering and booting stages following basal CMP amendment. Optimized K regimes reduced brown rice Cd concentrations (up to 89% reduction) compared to conventional fertilization. Notably, at the CF site, split K 2 SiO 3 application (TB-K 2 SiO 3 ) and single tillering-stage K 2 SO 4 (T-K 2 SO 4 ) achieved brown rice Cd levels of 0.13 mg/kg, complying with China’s food safety standard (≤0.20 mg/kg), thereby eliminating non-carcinogenic risks. Mechanistically, TB-K 2 SiO 3 enhanced soil pH by 0.21 units and increased available K (AK) by 50.26% and available Si (ASi) by 21.35% while reducing Cd bioavailability by 43.55% compared to non-split K 2 SiO 3 . In contrast, T-K 2 SO 4 elevated sulfate-driven Cd immobilization. Structural equation modeling prioritized soil available Cd, root Cd, and antagonistic effects of AK and ASi as dominant factors governing Cd accumulation. The integration of CMP with split K 2 SiO 3 application at the tillering and booting stages or single K 2 SO 4 application at the tillering stage ensures safe rice production in Cd-contaminated soils, offering scalable remediation strategies for paddy ecosystems.

Suggested Citation

  • Qiying Zhang & Weijian Wu & Yingyue Zhao & Xiaoyu Tan & Yang Yang & Qingru Zeng & Xiao Deng, 2025. "Optimizing Potassium Fertilization Combined with Calcium–Magnesium Phosphate Fertilizer Mitigates Rice Cadmium Accumulation: A Multi-Site Field Trial," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:10:p:1052-:d:1654759
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Liyu Yang & Pan Wu & Wentao Yang, 2022. "Study on Safe Usage of Agricultural Land in Typical Karst Areas Based on Cd in Soil and Maize: A Case Study of Northwestern Guizhou, China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-16, August.
    2. Xianxin Wu & Qiujun Lin & Guang Li & Chunjing Guo & Lina Li & Jianzhong Wang, 2024. "Evaluating Water Management Efficiency in Regulating Cadmium and Arsenic Accumulation in Rice in Typical Japonica Paddy Soils at Varied pH Levels," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-13, March.
    3. Rongbo Xiao & Zehong Huang & Xiaonuo Li & Weiping Chen & Yirong Deng & Cunliang Han, 2017. "Lime and Phosphate Amendment Can Significantly Reduce Uptake of Cd and Pb by Field-Grown Rice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-10, March.
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