Addressing cadmium (Cd) contamination in rice is vital due to its health risks. A recent study explored the effects of foliar selenium (Se), corn straw biochar, and pig manure on Cd accumulation in rice grains. The treatments included control (CK), biochar (T1), pig manure (T2), Se (T3), Se and biochar (T4), Se and pig manure (T5), and a combination of all three (T6).

Results showed that pig manure alone (T2) increased Cd levels in rice. However, the combination of Se, biochar, and pig manure (T6) effectively reduced Cd uptake, yielding the lowest Cd concentration in rice grains (0.018 mg/kg) compared to T2’s highest (0.051 mg/kg). Treatments improved soil pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More and redox potential, boosting rice growth and nutrient content.

Additionally, treatments T1 to T6 increased rice protein content but notably reduced amylose content in T6. Health risk assessments revealed the lowest carcinogenic risk with treatment T6, followed by T3, T5, T4, T1, CK, and T2, respectively.

In conclusion, the combined use of Se, biochar, and pig manure (T6) shows promise in mitigating Cd accumulation in rice, enhancing growth, and reducing health risks. This approach presents a viable solution for safer rice cultivation in Cd-contaminated environments.