XVI International Botanical Congess

A vegetation-based phytoremediation strategy has been proposed for managing Se level in Se-rich soils. Different plant species are evaluated for salt and boron tolerance, and their ability to volatilize and accumulate Se. The best-performing plant species, i.e., canola (Brasica napus), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) were evaluated within different crop rotations in central California. Growing a plant species for phytoremediation in a monoculture was not as effective as using crop rotations for managing soil Se. Crop rotation's effect on Se volatilization is still being investigated. Advantages of using specific plant species, i.e., birdsfoot trefoil, in a crop rotation for the phytoremediation of Se will be discussed.