Summary: | This study aimed to determine the possibility to increase the the effect of different amendments (compost, bentonite and zeolite) on the shoot yield and the concentration of trace elements in shoots of maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) on soil contaminated with Cu. The yield of shoots and concentration of the trace elements in shoots of maize depended on Cu dose and amendment incorporation into the sandy soil. Cu-spiked soil caused an increase the yield of shoots (only to 100 mg Cu/kg of soil), in the concentration of Cu, Co, Mn, Ni and Fe in shoots of maize and, to a smaller degree, in the concentration of Zn and bioconcentration factor (BCF) of all elements except copper, compared to the control soil without Cu. Under the influence of 150 and 200 mg Cu per kg of soil, a decrease in yield of shoots of maize was observed. Compost, bentonite and zeolite increased the yield of shoots and reduced the concentration of Cu, Co, Mn, Fe and Zn in shoots of maize. Bentonite had a more positive effect than compost and zeolite on the yield of shoots and the concentration of Co, Mn and Zn in shoots of maize. The effect of these amendments on the Cu and Fe concentration in shoots of maize was reverse. A reverse effect of these amendments (especially bentonite and zeolite) on the Ni concentration in plants was observed. The amendments applied to soil, especially compost, increased the BCF of Ni and, to a small degree, BCF of Cu in shoots of maize, compared to the control series. Compost, zeolite and especially bentonite are very good amendments in the restoration of maize growth in polluted areas.
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