Randomized trial examines cadmium immobilization and nutrient enrichment in tropical soils using vermicompost, biochar, and Azolla, indicating a promising remediation strategy.
Key Points
This research aims to assess the effectiveness of vermicompost, biochar, and Azolla in immobilizing cadmium while enhancing soil nutrients.
Conducted a completely randomized pot experiment with eight treatment combinations over five weeks.
Applied a cadmium concentration of 100 mg kg−1 in Korat soil for evaluation.
Measured total and exchangeable cadmium, soil properties, and earthworm growth before and after treatment.
Combined treatment (SCVB + Azolla) decreased total cadmium by 41.13% and exchangeable cadmium by 81.02%.
Organic matter increased to 6.31%, with heightened nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium availability.
Earthworm bioassay showed growth inhibition reduced from 55.9% to 23.6%, confirming lower soil toxicity under the combined treatment.