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Effect of heavy metal
and nutrient uptake by soils in Indian Cardamom Hills
Murugan Muthusamy1, Bijoy K. Panigrahy2*,
Paddu Krishnappa Shetty1,
Alappan Subbiah3 and Raju Ravi4
1School
of Natural Sciences and Engineering, National Institute of
Advanced Studies,
Indian Institute of Science campus, Bangalore-560 012,
India.
2Department
of Environmental Engineering, Eastern Academy of Science and
Technology, Bhubaneswar-754001, India.
3College
of Horticulture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,
Periyakulam-,625 604,
India.
4Department
of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore-560012, India.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
bkpanigahy@gmail.com.
Accepted May 28, 2012 |
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Indian cardamom hill soils were studied to understand
nutrient and heavy metal uptake and consequent fertility
level changes. Extensive cultivation of cardamom and
conversion of forest land to cardamom agriculture resulted
in decline of OM and lower pH. Application of chemical
fertilizers in the recent past helped enhance the available
phosphorus (P). This is surprisingly contrary to the general
observation of low P fertility and availability of tropical
humid forest soils. Available nutrient concentrations with
respect to potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S)
were low in cardamom soils while micronutrient
concentrations were well above the proposed critical limits.
Agricultural intensification through use of mercurial
fungicides and other pesticides in Indian cardamom hill
soils has resulted in continuous loading of heavy metals in
leaves, seeds and rinds. Such a situation could soon lead to
a level sufficient to cause serious fertility and
environmental problems.
Key words:
Nutrient and heavy metal uptake, soil fertility, tropical
agro forest environment. |
