Models for the field-based toxicity of copper and zinc salts to wheat in 11 Australian soils and comparison to laboratory-based models.
Laboratory-based relationships that model the phytotoxicity of metals using soil properties have been developed. This paper presents the first field-based phytotoxicity relationships. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was grown at 11 Australian field sites at which soil was spiked with copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) salts. Toxicity was measured as inhibition of plant growth at 8 weeks and grain yield at harvest. The added Cu and Zn EC10 values for both endpoints ranged from approximately 3 to 4760 mg/kg. There were no relationships between field-based 8-week biomass and grain yield toxicity values for either metal. Cu toxicity was best modelled using pH and organic carbon content while Zn toxicity was best modelled using pH and the cation exchange capacity. The best relationships estimated toxicity within a factor of two of measured values. Laboratory-based phytotoxicity relationships could not accurately predict field-based phytotoxicity responses.
Warne
Michael St J
MS
Centre for Environmental Contaminants, CSIRO Land and Water, PMB 2, Glen Osmond, Adelaide, SA 5064, Australia. michael.warne@csiro.au
Heemsbergen
Diane
D
McLaughlin
Mike
M
Bell
Mike
M
Broos
Kris
K
Whatmuff
Mark
M
Barry
Glenn
G
Nash
David
D
Pritchard
Deb
D
Penney
Nancy
N
D001315:Australia; D018533:Biomass; D003300:Copper / Q000633:toxicity*; D018556:Crops, Agricultural; D054750:Ecotoxicology / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D014908:Triticum / Q000254:growth & development*; D015032:Zinc / Q000633:toxicity*
D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D003300:Copper; D015032:Zinc