Work

Recycling steel slag as fertiliser proxy in agriculture is good circular economy but disrupts plant microbial symbioses in the soil

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: . We analysed slag-mycorrhiza interaction and their combined effects on crop yield and risks to human nourishment. Slag increased grain yield by respective 32 and 21 % in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal barley. Grain concentration of metal pollutants in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal barley fertilised with slag were within the WHO recommended limits. But slag reduced mycorrhizal colonisation in barley roots and extraradical hyphal spread in the soil. The consequent decline in symbiont function lowered AMF-mediated plant nutrient uptake and increased mineral losses in leachates. AMF are keystone species of the soil microbiome. Loss of AMF function presents long-term ecological consequences for agriculture and necessitates a careful evaluation of slag application to soil.

Source: The Science of The Total Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176750

Authors: Vikrant Goswami, Sharma Deepika, Pulkit Sharma, David Kothamasi

Institutions: University of Delhi, University of Strathclyde

Language: English

Topic: Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production, Life on land

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,990