The effects of heavy metals on seedling survival were investigated through pot culture experiments. The heavy metals evaluated in this study were copper, nickel, zinc, cadmium, and lead. The results revealed varying impacts on the survival of radish seedlings, depending on the specific metal and its concentration in the soil. Copper, nickel, and zinc exhibited a gradual decrease in seedling survival as their concentrations increased. At concentrations ranging from 100 to 1000 mg/kg of soil, there was 100% seedling survival for these metals. However, cadmium and lead had a much more significant detrimental effect on seedling survival. As their concentrations increased from 100 to 1000 mg/kg of soil, the seedling survival percentage decreased to 83% for both cadmium and lead. The observed reduction in seedling survival percentage of radish plants can be attributed to several factors. One possible reason is that the heavy metals present in the soil may inhibit the growth and activity of beneficial microorganisms that contribute to soil fertility. These microorganisms play essential roles in nutrient cycling and making nutrients available to plants. When their growth is inhibited, the soil fertility deteriorates, leading to adverse effects on seedling survival. Another possible reason for the decrease in seedling survival is the low uptake of mineral elements from the contaminated soil. Heavy metals can interfere with the uptake and assimilation of essential mineral elements by plants. This disruption in nutrient absorption can negatively impact plant growth and survival, ultimately reducing the seedling survival percentage observed in the study.

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Keywords: Heavy Metals, Seedling Survival, Cultivar Pusa Chetki Pot Culture Experiments, Soil Fertility.

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