Cadmium concentration and distribution in corn (Zea mays L.) grown on a calcareous soil for three years after three annual sludge applications.

The disposal of digested sewage sludge on crop-producing land appeals to municipalities as an option but may pose a hazard to human and animal health if the plant material contains elevated levels of some heavy metals. This paper reports the levels of cadmium in corn grain and stover for six years -- three years with sludge applied annually and for three years after sludge applications were terminated. The cadmium concentration in corn grain from the sixth year was similar to values found in corn grown on non-sludged plots. In corn stover from treated plots the cadmium concentration was greater than from untreated plots. Our study indicated that phytotoxic levels of cadmium did not exist even though elevated levels occurred in the corn stover.