Summary
This meta-analysis synthesises field-trial evidence on the effects of soil liming on rice productivity and food safety in cadmium-contaminated paddies. Liming—raising soil pH through application of lime or calcium compounds—appears to increase grain yield whilst reducing grain cadmium uptake, as suggested by the aggregated data across multiple studies published by 2021. The findings suggest soil pH management as a practical agronomic tool for simultaneously improving yield and reducing a priority contaminant in rice-based food systems, particularly relevant to regions with naturally acidic soils or historical cadmium deposition.
UK applicability
Limited direct applicability to UK cereal production, as rice paddies are not a commercial system in the United Kingdom. However, the mechanistic findings on liming and cadmium availability in soil may inform UK strategies for remediation of contaminated arable land or reduction of cadmium in other crops (wheat, leafy greens) grown on historically contaminated sites.
Key measures
Rice grain yield (likely in tonnes/hectare or percentage change); grain cadmium concentration (likely in mg/kg or µg/kg dry weight); potentially soil pH and soil cadmium availability
Outcomes reported
The study synthesised evidence on how liming (application of calcium-containing amendments) affects rice grain yield and cadmium (Cd) concentration in harvested grain. As suggested by the title, the meta-analysis quantified the magnitude and consistency of these effects across multiple field studies.
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