Kenaf and soybean intercropping affects morpho-physiological attributes, antioxidant capacity and copper uptake in contaminated soil

Background and aimsIntercropping can affect the growth and elemental absorption of crops. Copper (Cu) pollution has become a worldwide environmental problem due to its effect on human health and food security. Well-designed intercropping of crops could be an effective strategy for sustainable production and remediation of contaminated soil.MethodsA pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of monoculture and intercropping on morpho-physiological attributes, antioxidant capacity, root growth and Cu uptake of kenaf and soybean grown under different levels of Cu in soil.ResultsIntercropping was conducive to the accumulation of biomass and chlorophyll in kenaf and soybean under Cu stress. Mutual intercropping of kenaf and soybean increased antioxidant enzymes activity and decreased malondialdehyde content in both the plants under Cu stress. In addition, intercropping increased soluble sugars, soluble proteins and proline content in kenaf and soybean under Cu stress except that proline content were not significantly different in kenaf. Moreover, intercropping alleviate the negative effects of Cu by reducing its soil availability and uptake in the plants. At the same time, bio-accumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) were declined.ConclusionMutual intercropping of kenaf and soybean is favorable to promote plant growth and biomass production of both the species with reduced Cu uptake in plant tissues. Present findings strengthen our understanding about effectiveness of intercropping on Cu contaminated soils for sustainable crop production and soil remediation.