Effects of Cadmium on Peanut Growth and Mineral Nutrient Uptake

A pot experiment was conducted using Luhua 14 to study the effects of cadmium on growth and mineral nutrient uptake of peanut cultivars. Five different cadmium concentrations were tested[0.10(CK), 3.24, 7.35, 8.38 and 18.80 mg·kg-1 of soil]. The results showed that the dry weight of leaves, shoots, legumes and grains from Luhua 14 first rose but dropped afterwards when increasing cadmium concentration. Maximum values were obtained for a soil cadmium concentration of 3.24 mg·kg-1 , while minimum values were obtained for a soil cadmium concentration of 18.80 mg·kg-1 . Cadmium accumulation in leaves, shoots, roots and grains from Luhua 14 increased proportionally with the cadmium concentration applied in soil. The results also showed that applying cadmium had different effects on the mineral nutrient concentration in grains. Phosphorus concentration was gradually reduced over increased cadmium concentrations, while concentrations of potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc first rose but dropped afterwards when increasing cadmium concentration.