Analysis of cadmium accumulation in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) depending on soil pH and fertilizer level

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) has great potential for the production of oil with functional properties. There are several factors drastically reducing the quality of linseeds. One of them is the cadmium uptake and accumulation in seeds. The aim of this study was to assess the control capability of Cd uptake level by fertilization and soil pH. The experiment was carried with four Polish varieties of linseed: Bukoz, Szafir, Olivin, and Jantarol. The soil with two different pH was used in the experiment: acidic (pH 4.5) and alkaline (pH 7.5). Two concentrations of aqueous solution of cadmium nitrate (Cd(NO3)2) were added to the soil to obtain the final concentration of Cd: 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg of soil, respectively. The phosphorous fertilizer was supplied in the amounts of: 50 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha. The results revealed that the pH level is important factors in the cultivation of linseed. The cadmium uptake by linseed can be significantly weakened by increasing the soil pH. Among the four flax varieties examined, the highest seed yield with the lowest Cd content at the same time was obtained for “Bukoz” during cultivation with 100 kg/ha phosphorous fertilization and pH 7.5.