Rhizosphere dissolved organic matter and iron plaque modified by organic amendments and its relations to cadmium bioavailability and accumulation in rice

Organic amendments can modify rhizosphere dissolved organic matter (DOM) properties and Fe–plaque quantity, thereby affecting cadmium (Cd) bioavailability and uptake by rice. Pot experiments were conducted to investigate effects of biochar (BC) and vermicompost (VC) at different rates (0, 1%, and 5%) on rhizosphere DOM characteristics and Fe–plaque quantity, and their impacts on Cd bioavailability and accumulation in high and low Cd–accumulation rice cultivars (HAC and LAC). Soil DOM was characterized by ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) spectrum analyses. Hydroponic experiments were conducted to investigate effects of BC– or VC–derived DOM combined Fe–plaque on Cd uptake by rice. Results showed that increasing rates of organic amendments increased DOM concentration while decreased Cd availability in rhizosphere and bulk soils and Cd contents in rice tissues. The Cd reduction in LAC grains (31.9%–72.7%) was better than that in HAC grains (6.3%–25.4%) after organic amendment addition. Soil DOM properties were modified by organic amendments towards higher aromaticity, molecular weight, and stability. VC resulted in a greater increase of humic–like fractions but reduced protein–like proportions in rhizosphere DOM over BC. Negative correlations were observed between humic–like fractions and available Cd in the rhizosphere. Likewise, VC (especially 5%VC) promoted the formation of Fe–plaque and limited Cd soil-to-root transport, while BC groups showed a reverse trend. The results of hydroponic experiments confirmed BC– and VC–derived DOM and Fe–plaque further inhibited Cd uptake by rice via the complexation with Cd and the sequestration of Cd, respectively. Hence, VC application combined with low Cd–accumulation rice could be an effective strategy for the safe utilization of Cd–contamination soils. [Display omitted] •Rhizosphere DOM property and Fe plaque quantity varied with organic amendments.•Organic amendments enhanced humic-like fraction but reduced protein-like fraction.•Humic-like fraction was effective in immobilizing Cd.•Reduced Cd availability combined increased Fe plaque alleviated rice Cd uptake.