Effects of Fertilization on Heavy Metal Accumulation in Soil and Crops

Dear Colleagues,

Soil contamination with heavy metals is a serious problem. They are persistent in the environment and not only reduce crop yield, but also negatively affect human health. One of the main sources of heavy metals in soil is excessive mineral fertilization and the use of waste-based fertilizers. Taking into account the difficult situation of the fertilizer market, an increased interest in fertilizers based on by-products and waste, which are often contaminated with heavy metals, can be expected. Studying the impact of such fertilizers on soil and plants is crucial to prevent soil contamination. The forms of heavy metals in fertilizers and their transformations in the soil environment are also important to assess the risk of their entry into the food chain.  

This Special Issue focuses on short- and long-term studies of the impact of fertilizer (conventional and waste-based) use on the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil, their bioavailability and impact on the growth and development of plants. Studies on the health risk assessment and innovative soil treatment technologies will also be taken into account. We welcome the submission of all types of articles, including original research, reviews and short communications.

Dr. Halyna Kominko
Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Gorazda
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• heavy metals
• heavy metal accumulation
• bioavailability
• waste-based fertilizers
• mineral fertilizers
• soil contamination
• toxicity
• treatment technologies
• risk assessment