Effects of alginic acid on phosphorus and potassium absorption in radish under cadmium contamination

Abstract

Abstract In order to study the effects of alginic acid at different dilution folds on phosphorus and potassium absorption of radish under cadmium contamination, foliar application of radish seedlings was carried out using alginic acid solutions with different dilution folds. The results showed that the alginic acid solution at 600, 900, 1200, and 1500 dilution folds increased the potassium content of radish, and increased the content of available phosphorus and available potassium in the soil. The solution of lower dilution folds (600 and 900) increased phosphorus content of radish, while the solution with higher dilution folds (1200 and 1500) only increased phosphorus content in radish roots and root tubers. It showed that foliar application of alginic acid could alleviate the harm of cadmium stress to radish to a certain extent, and increase the absorption of phosphorus and potassium nutrients in radish. The best effect was achieved when the dilution fold of alginic acid solution was 600.