The effect of different N rates on Cd speciation of Cd-contaminated soil with oilseed rape

The aim of the study is to explore the effects of Nitrogen (N) rates on the speciation of Cadmium (Cd) in soil with oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). A pot experiment was conducted at N1 (0 g/kg), N2 (0.125 g/kg), N3 (0.25 g/kg) and N4 (0.375 g/kg) rates. Correlation between Cd speciation and bioavailability, soil pH were analyzed. Cd speciation was significantly affected by N rates. Exchangeable Cd (EXC-Cd) and carbonate Cd (CAR-Cd) in soil showed a contrary pattern with residual Cd (RES-Cd) and organic Cd (ORG-Cd), respectively. Correlation analysis demonstrated EXC-Cd and CAR-Cd positively correlated with Cd bioavailability but negatively correlated with soil pH at later phase of oilseed rape (p < 0.05). Cd bioavailability could be promoted by increasing the EXC-Cd and CAR-Cd concentration at the expense of RES-Cd. Our results suggest that N rates may affect Cd speciation in regulation of soil pH, thus further affect Cd bioavailability.