Effect of Rice Straw Compost on Cadmium Transfer and Metal-ions Distribution at Different Growth Stages of Soybean

In soil-to-plant transfer of heavy metals, the amount absorbed and accumulated varies depending on the environment conditions. The absorption rate of cadmium (Cd) in plants differs considerably depending on the bioavailability of Cd in the soil, while usage by various organic matters is also reported to affect absorption patterns. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the difference in the transfer of essential metal ions and Cd to various plant parts when rice straw compost was used to cultivate soybean (Glycine max L. cv. Daepung). In the two-leaf stage of soybean cultivated in a greenhouse, Cd was mixed in the soil, after which the Cd and essential metal ions contents, and physiological changes of soybean seedlings were studied on the 15th and 25th day. The Cd toxicity in the plant was reduced with the use of rice straw compost. Further, the Cd content varied with the plant part, and was higher in young leaves (3rd and 4th leaf) than in the stem. When analyzed by leaf age, the Cd transfer was highest in young leaves (3rd and 4th leaf), followed by mature leaves (1st and 2nd leaf). While there was no significant difference between plant tissues in the absorption rate of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) when rice straw compost was used against Cd toxicity, the absorption rate of manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) showed a significant decline in both the control and rice straw compost treatment conditions, as well as a significant difference between leaf ages. Therefore, these results confirm that the use of rice straw compost against Cd toxicity is effective, and implies that the rate of Cd transfer in the soybean plant varies significantly with leaf age.