Maintenance of Soil Homeostasis under Exposure to Cadmium

This study makes a pioneering attempt to analyze the neutralizing effects of algae extracts and basalt flour on cadmium-contaminated soil with the aim of restoring a healthy soil balance. Their effectiveness was compared with that of straw and compost. The following soil parameters were evaluated to monitor changes in the cadmium-contaminated environment: dehydrogenases and catalase activity and population size of microorganisms. The influence of cadmium on the resistance of spring barley crops was evaluated. Cadmium was applied at doses of 0, 4, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200mgCd(2+)kg(-1) DM soil. The results of the experiment indicate that algae extract was a less effective soil amendment, whereas basalt flour failed to improve the soil profile. Straw and compost significantly stimulated soil enzymatic activity. An improvement in soil fertility was reported in treatments sown with spring barley, but a significant decrease in crop resistance to contamination was noted.