Cadmium and zinc uptake by ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in relation to soil metals

A greenhouse pot experiment was set up in four replications to study the Cd and Zn uptake of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) from soils with different Cd and Zn content., Ryegrass was grown for 4 weeks and the plants were cut above the soil. The. cutting was repeated in 4-week intervals to study uptake dynamics, as well. Fresh and dry biomass weight and Cd, Zn concentrations were measured in ryegrass from the first harvest. The uptake of Cd and Zn was calculated. The experiment was carried. out with various soil types which had different Cd, and Zn content other characteristics (pH, C%, CEC, etc.). Regression and variance analyses were used to differentiate response differences. Results, show that the Zn content of the soils determined plant uptake. Zinc uptake by plant, and Zn content (available and total) of the soil could be described by close, positive linear correlation. In the case of Cd, the correlation was higher between the total (cc. HNO3 + H2O2) Cd content of the soils and uptake by plant compared to available (KCl + EDTA soluble) and plant uptake.