Effects of different forms of antimony on rice during the period of germination and growth and antimony concentration in rice tissue

Seed germination and pot experiments for rice were conducted to investigate the effects of Sb III. and Sb V. on the growth and yield of rice, and the antimony concentration in rice tissue. Antimony was applied either as antimony potassium tartrate III. or as potassium antimonate V. in the experiments. The results show that Sb III. and Sb V. can affect the growth of root and rice sprout, and reduce the transformation ratio of dry matter during the germination period of rice seed, also, it can affect the activity of a-amylase and the growth of rice. A reduction in yield and an increase of antimony in rice were significantly related to Sb application rates to soils. The results also suggest that not only the application rate of Sb, but also the chemical form of Sb should be considered while assessing the effect of Sb on plant and the danger of Sb contamination of soils as well as of food.