Identification of cadmium phytoavailability in response to cadmium transformation and changes in soil pH and electrical conductivity

Owing to complex changes in the soil environment, determining cadmium (Cd) phytoavailability is challenging. We devised a soil-wheat system to monitor alterations in soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and Cd transformation under various rates of calcium chloride and/or low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) addition. The findings indicate that decreasing soil pH value, increasing soil EC value, and Cd transformation affect the phytoextraction of Cd. The exchangeable Cd and transformation of Cd under shifts in soil pH and EC contribute differentially to the phytoextracted Cd. The level of potentially phytoavailable Cd was identified through complete wheat cultivation in which the soil pH decreased by 0.47 unit and soil EC increased by 600-1000 μS cm−1, resembling the concentration of 0.01 M LMWOAs extractable Cd, when transitioning from paddy to dryland soil. Based on considering the phytoextracted Cd as the phytoavailable Cd throughout a complete wheat growth term, the threshold for phytoavailable Cd in soil, ensuring the safety of wheat grain (limit: 0.1 mg kg−1), is determined to be 2.90 μg kg−1. Maintaining control over Cd phytoavailability in soil emerges as the key factor in ensuring the safety of wheat grain cultivation. [Display omitted] •Potentially phytoavailable Cd was affected by soil pH, soil EC and Cd transformation.•EX-Cd & Cd transformation had varied impacts on phytoextracted Cd under soil pH and EC changes.•The level of potentially phytoavailable Cd is similar to the LMWOAs extractable Cd.•Phytoavailable Cd at 2.90 μg kg−1 in soil may lead to 0.1 mg kg−1 Cd in wheat grain.