Essential metal and metalloid elements in the Philippi Horticultural area, and their uptake into selected vegetable crops

Abstract

This study evaluated Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Se, Sn and V status in the soils of the PHA, as well as the vegetables produced on these soils. We also determined the agronomic sources of these elements to the soils in the PHA. Farmyard manures applied as fertilizer amendments to the soils in the PHA were found to be the major agronomic sources of the metal and metalloid elements. These elements were however, retained in significantly higher concentrations in the soils compared to the concentrations found in the edible portions of the vegetable crops collected. This, in turn, resulted in these vegetables being poor sources of several of the essential mineral nutrients. It is therefore suggested that: (1) a wider variety of crops are assessed for their mineral nutrient status, (2) to find ways to increase the availability of these mineral nutrients and (3), that the possibilities of micronutrient and trace element deficiencies be assessed in the communities surrounding the PHA.