Olivier Pourret (04/05/2024)
Ten years ago, I started working on Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and plants, here is a lay summary of my major results.
Understanding the Impact of REE on Plant Growth
Rare earth elements are chemical elements that naturally occur in soils and are important for various industrial applications. However, their effects on plants, especially crops like rice, are not well understood. In our studies, we investigated how REEs influence the growth of rice plants. We found that when rice plants were exposed to certain concentrations of REEs, their root and overall plant growth were significantly reduced. Interestingly, the presence of iron oxides in the soil seemed to lessen the harmful effects of REEs on the plants to some extent. Our research sheds light on the complex interactions between REEs and plant growth, providing valuable insights for agricultural practices.
Exploring the Relationship Between Soil Chemistry and REE Accumulation in Plants
We conducted a study to understand how REEs behave in the soil and accumulate in plants. By examining soil and plant samples from different environments, we found that certain soil factors, like pH and organic matter content, influence the uptake of REEs by plants. Interestingly, plants tend to accumulate REEs in their shoots in patterns that reflect the composition of the surrounding soil. Our findings highlight the importance of soil chemistry in determining the distribution of REEs in plants, which has implications for ecosystem health and nutrient cycling.
Uncovering the Role of Root Traits in REE Availability to Plants
Rare earth elements are also essential nutrients for plants, but their availability in the soil can be influenced by various factors, including root traits. In our research, we investigated how below-ground traits, such as root exudation and nutrient acquisition strategies, affect the uptake of REEs by plants. We found that plants with different nutrient acquisition strategies show distinct patterns of REE accumulation in their leaves. Additionally, we observed that root exudates released under nutrient deficiency conditions can mobilize REEs in the soil, making them more accessible to plants. These findings enhance our understanding of plant-soil interactions and have implications for sustainable agriculture practices.
Using REEs as Indicators of Plant Nutrient Acquisition Strategies
Phosphorus and iron are other essential nutrients for plant growth, and their availability in the soil depends on root traits and soil chemistry. In our research, we proposed using REEs as indicators of plant nutrient acquisition strategies. We found that plants with different P-acquisition strategies accumulate REEs differently in their tissues. By analyzing REE concentrations in plant material, we can evaluate the efficiency of nutrient acquisition strategies in plants. This approach provides a valuable tool for assessing soil fertility and optimizing agricultural practices for improved nutrient uptake by crops.
Further reading
Articles
Monei, N., Hitch, M., Heim, J. et al. Effect of substrate properties and phosphorus supply on facilitating the uptake of rare earth elements (REE) in mixed culture cropping systems of Hordeum vulgare, Lupinus albus and Lupinus angustifolius. Environ Sci Pollut Res 29, 57172–57189 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19775-x
Pourret, O., van der Ent, A., Hursthouse, A. et al. The ‘europium anomaly’ in plants: facts and fiction. Plant Soil 476, 721–728 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-021-05210-6
Wiche, O., Pourret, O. The role of root carboxylate release on rare earth element (hyper)accumulation in plants – a biogeochemical perspective on rhizosphere chemistry. Plant Soil 492, 79–90 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-023-06177-2
Wiche, O., Dittrich, C., Pourret, O. et al. Relationships between carboxylate-based nutrient-acquisition strategies, phosphorus-nutritional status and rare earth element accumulation in plants. Plant Soil 489, 645–666 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-023-06049-9
Preprint
Pourret, O., Lange, B., Martinez, R.E. et al. Relationships between soil chemical properties and rare earth element concentrations in the aboveground biomass of a tropical herbaceous plant. EarthArXiv (2019) https://doi.org/10.31223/osf.io/w4hgs
Conference proceedings
Wiche, O., Pourret, O., and Lambers, H.: Rare earth elements as potential tracers of carboxylate-based plant nutrition strategies , EGU General Assembly 2022, Vienna, Austria, 23–27 May 2022, EGU22-3674, (2022). https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu22-3674Wiche, O., Heilmeier, H., and Pourret, O.: Below-ground functional traits during nutrient-acquisition affect the availability of rare earth elements to plants , EGU General Assembly 2020, Online, 4–8 May 2020, EGU2020-5831,(2020). https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-5831
Olivier Pourret 