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CADMIUM EFFECTS ON THE NITROGEN FIXATION SYSTEM OF RED ALDER
Citation:
Wickliff, C., H. Evans, K. Carter, AND S. Russell. CADMIUM EFFECTS ON THE NITROGEN FIXATION SYSTEM OF RED ALDER. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-80/035 (NTIS PB81100331).
Description:
Red alder (Alnus rubra) was grown in sand culture in the greenhouse to obtain data on the effects of cadmium (Cd) on a symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation system which contributes to the fertility of forest soils. Treatment of red alder seedlings for 11 weeks with 0.545 to 136 micrometers CdCl2 in N-free nutrient solution decreased in situ nitrogenase activity 25 to 89%, N fixation 23 to 98%, and the number of nodules per plant 29 to 74%, when compared to plants receiving no Cd. Similar reductions were observed in plant growth. Treatment with 0.054 to 0.545 micrometers CdCl2 decreased nitrogenase activity 6 to 31%.