Accumulation of 137Cs by meadow grasses on peat-bog soils of the Polissia zone in the Rivne region

Abstract

The role and effectiveness of the combined action of various types of mineral fertilizers on the productivity of the agrocenosis and the accumulation of radionuclides by the phytomass of perennial grasses on peat-bog soil (Histic Gleysols) have been investigated. The research was carried out during 2011-2013. In a temporary field experiment with seeded perennial grasses (Dáctylis glomeráta, Bromopsis inermis, Phleum pratense) used for livestock feed. The aim of the research is to identify the features of the effect of radiological load on the quality of agricultural products in fertilized and non-fertilized areas by measuring the specific activity of radioactive 137Cs in the dry phytomass of collected herbs, the density of soil contamination and calculating the coefficients of the transfer of radionuclides from soil to pasture fodder. The activity of 137Cs in plants was determined by gamma spectrometer. The introduction of increased doses of potash (K120) and phosphorus fertilizers together with potash (P60 K120) was effective in reducing the activity of radiocaesium in the dry mass of feed. Over the three years of research on the variant with potash fertilizers, a decrease in 137Cs activity in the feed by an average of 2.9 times was recorded, and at the site of the combined application of potash and phosphate fertilizers – by 2.7 times compared with the control variant of the experiment (without fertilizers).