Reducing Arsenic Absorption of Corn (Zea mays L.) and Its Content in Soil by Lime and Ferns (Pteris vittata)

Abstract

The  aim.This study aimed to find out effects of liming and fern on reducing the absorption of arsenic (As) on maize and As content in the soil. Materials  and  methods.The single-factor experiment was designed in a completely random block (4 treatments and 4 replicates). Treatments were followed: treatment 1 (NT1) liming (3 tons CaO ha-1); NT2: Plant ferns alternately with maize (Without liming); NT3: Plant ferns alternately with maize and liming (3 tons CaO.ha-1); NT4-Control (no liming and ferns). Results. The co-application of liming and ferns had positive influences on chemical properties of soil and yield of corns tested in this study. The yield difference between the application of lime and intercropped ferns was increased from 5.4 to 22.3 %. Moreover, arsenic concentrations of soil, trunks, and grains were 25.7, 32.0, and 50 % lower than that of the control, respectively. Conclusions. Ferns absorbed As content from soil to stems and roots, which decreased a large amount of As content in soils. Therefore, to reduce production cost, increase soil and maize quality, application of lime (3 ton ha-1) and intercropped ferns is recommended.