Food safety, soils and manure: How a systemic approach can prevent health risks
Soil acidification is increasingly threatening agricultural yields in various regions, including China. To combat this issue, the recycling of animal manure emerges as a critical element of circular agriculture. However, this practice is not without its challenges.
Recent research conducted by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and published in Nature Food reveals that extensive use of manure can result in cadmium (Cd) accumulation in soils, which can subsequently lead to elevated Cd levels in rice that surpass established food quality standards. This underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach that encompasses the entire system—ranging from soil health and fertilization methods to industrial emissions and the food supply chain.
Dr. Donghao Xu emphasizes, “What benefits the soil in the short term may pose risks to food safety in the long run. This trade-off cannot be resolved by looking at agricultural practices alone.”
Utilizing complex models that integrate soil processes and metal transport, researchers investigated the long-term implications of various nutrient management and liming strategies implemented over several decades to mitigate soil acidification and curb Cd uptake by crops. The findings indicate that solely depending on manure or lime to improve soil pH is inadequate to prevent long-term detrimental effects from Cd. A more effective approach involves maintaining soil pH while simultaneously decreasing cadmium deposition through stricter regulation of industrial emissions, thereby ensuring that rice Cd levels remain within safe thresholds.
Prof. Wim de Vries states, “This research shows that circularity cannot be considered in isolation from its wider environmental context. If we want to close nutrient cycles, we also need to ensure the quality of the material that is used to close those cycles.”
The implications of these findings extend well beyond rice production systems in Asia. Similar challenges regarding manure management, soil quality, and contamination risks are emerging globally. The interconnectedness of policy decisions in agriculture, industry, and environmental protection is evident. This study reinforces the notion that sustainable agricultural pathways necessitate integrated policies that harmonize food production, environmental integrity, and public health. A multifaceted approach involving targeted interventions is essential to establish a safe and genuinely circular food system.
Publication details
Donghao Xu et al, Nutrient management modulates acidification-induced risks to yield and cadmium contents in paddy rice, Nature Food (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-026-01315-2
Journal information: Nature Food
Share this story