Agron. Sustain. Dev. 26 (2006) 151-155
DOI: 10.1051/agro:2006010

Cadmium content of phosphate fertilizers used for tobacco production

N. Lugon-Moulin^a, L. Ryan^b, P. Donini^a and L. Rossi<sup>a

a</sup>  Philip Morris International R&D, c/o Philip Morris Products S.A., 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
^b  Philip Morris International Management S.A. Leaf Agronomy, 1001 Lausanne, Switzerland

(Accepted 18 May 2006; published online 26 July 2006)

Abstract - Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaves may accumulate relatively high levels of cadmium (Cd). The presence of cadmium in soils originates from both natural and anthropogenic sources. In particular, phosphate fertilizers can contain high Cd levels due to the presence of cadmium in the phosphate rock used for their manufacture. In order to investigate the Cd concentration in phosphate fertilizers used for tobacco production, fertilizers were sampled worldwide and analyzed for Cd and phosphorus. Concentrations ranged from 0.08 ± 0.14 to 97.50 ± 8.74 g Cd/t P₂O₅. In some cases, these levels could be explained by the phosphate rock origins. Some of the Cd contained in the fertilizer appeared bioavailable, as determined by diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA) extraction. Although the bioavailability of the Cd added through these sources to the tobacco plants in the field is not known, the use of fertilizers containing high Cd concentrations should be avoided to protect the soil from gradually accumulating this element and to avoid possible additional Cd presence in crops. Therefore, while several strategies may be followed to reduce the Cd concentration in tobacco leaves, the implementation of new agricultural practices such as the screening of the fertilizer source may also contribute to reducing further soil accumulation of Cd.

Key words: cadmium / fertilizers / phosphate rock / heavy metals / Nicotiana tabacum / tobacco

Corresponding author: N. Lugon-Moulin Nicolas.lugon-moulin@pmintl.com

© INRA, EDP Sciences 2006