Effects of Selenium Application in Soil on Formation of Iron Plaque outside Roots and Cadmium Uptake by Rice Plants

Abstract

A pot trial with a soil-sand combination culture in rhizosphere bags was conducted to study the effects of applying Se in soil on formation of iron plaque outside roots, rice growth and absorption of Se and Cd under the control conditions. The results showed that application of low concentration Se (1.0 mg/kg) can promote the formation of iron plaque outside roots, but application of high concentration Se (8.0 mg/kg) can inhibit formation of iron plaque outside roots. Whether applying Cd or not, Se on rice growth had no significant effect, which explained Se on rice growth had not produced toxic effects. With the increasing of Se treatment concentrations, the Cd content of roots, stems, leaves, rice husks and rice significantly decreased. Application of selenium can improve the selenium content in rice, which explained rice had enrichment effect for selenium.