Soil Amendments, Physicochemical Properties, and Metal Accumulation in Soils and Vegetables of Volcanic and Non-Volcanic Regions in Ecuador

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils threatens food security and public health, especially in volcanic regions where ash alters soil properties. This study evaluates the effects of soil amendments on physicochemical properties, nutrient availability, and heavy metal accumulation in ash-af...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Carrera-Beltrán, L, Gavilanes-Terán, I, Idrovo-Novillo, J, Ramos, C, Valverde, VH, Bravo-Basantes, V, Ramos-Romero, S, Paredes, C, Hernández, F, Carbonell-Barrachina, AA, Signes-Pastor, AJ
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Sanitaria de Alicante (ISABIAL)
Repositorio:r-ISABIAL. Repositorio Institucional de Producción Científica del Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Sanitaria de Alicante
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:isabial_____::fcd486e86836dd87fd5ff8f4a3c8542f
Acceso en línea:https://isabial.portalinvestigacion.com/publicaciones12523
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/5/1166
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:<italic>Allium fistulosum</italic>
<italic>Petroselinum crispum</italic>
cultivated soils
heavy metals
volcanic ash
Descripción
Sumario:Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils threatens food security and public health, especially in volcanic regions where ash alters soil properties. This study evaluates the effects of soil amendments on physicochemical properties, nutrient availability, and heavy metal accumulation in ash-affected (Mocha) and non-affected (Puyo) soils in Ecuador. A field experiment tested compost, poultry manure, inorganic fertilizer, and a control on onion (Allium fistulosum) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum). Soil analyses assessed the bulk density, texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, nutrients, metals, and metalloid concentrations of the soils and crops. Mocha soils exhibited volcanic Andisol characteristics, while Puyo soils resembled eastern Ecuadorian soils, both showing high nitrogen but deficiencies in phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) levels in soils varied between regions but not among treatments. In Mocha, As bioavailability decreased with poultry manure and compost, while other metals remained stable except in fertilized soils. In Puyo, organic amendments reduced Hg, Pb, Ni, and Cr but increased them in fertilized soils. All treatments met Ecuadorian limits for As, Cd, Pb, and Ni but exceeded those for Hg and Cr. Organic amendments improved soil quality, reduced metal mobility, and supported sustainable agriculture, with Mocha soils appearing more suitable for cultivation.