Effect of Zeolite and Composted Cow Manure on the Absorption of Cadmium and Some Essential Elements by Wheat in Contaminated Soil

Considering the importance of wheat in human nutrition and the presence of high concentrations of heavy and toxic metals in contaminated lands, it is important to study the effect of zeolite and composted cow manure and their role in reducing soil contamination and wheat nutritious properties. For this purpose, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments included different amounts of zeolite and compost, each with zero, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% based on the weight percentage of soil. The results showed that the effect of zeolite, composted manure, and their interaction on cadmium, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in root, stem, and seed were significant at 1% level. The maximum cadmium in different parts of plant was obtained in non-application of zeolite and compost, and the minimum was obtained in 1.5% zeolite and 1.5% compost, with significant differences. The maximum concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in root, stem, and seed were obtained in 1.5% of zeolite plus 1.5% compost, and their minimum concentrations were in non-application of zeolite and compost, with significant differences. In general, the results of the experiment showed that application of zeolite and compost to cadmium-contaminated lands could reduce absorption of cadmium, and the damage caused by it, and could increase absorption of essential elements.