Combination of intercropping maize and soybean with root exudate additions reduces metal mobility in soil-plant system under wastewater irrigation.

The effects of root exudates and irrigation with treated wastewater on heavy metal mobility and soil bacterial composition under intercropping remain poorly understood. We conducted a pot experiment with maize and soybean grown in monocultures or intercultures, irrigated with either groundwater or treated wastewater. In addition, the pre-collected root exudates from hydroponic culture with mono- or inter-cropped maize and soybean were applied to the soil at four levels (0 %, 16 %, 32 % and 64 %).

Treated Livestock Wastewater Irrigation Is Safe for Maize () and Soybean () Intercropping System Considering Heavy Metals Migration in Soil-Plant System.

Water deficit is a major problem affecting crop production worldwide. The use of treated wastewater in irrigation systems improves soil health and enhances crop growth and productivity. However, it has been characterized as a source of heavy metals.