Nutrient and Potentially Toxic Metal Concentrations in Wheat and Rice Fodder from the World Renowned Ramsar Site.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Harike wetland is a significant Ramsar site in India, crucial for biodiversity and local livelihoods.
• Agricultural practices surrounding wetlands can impact soil and crop quality due to potential pollutant accumulation.
• Assessing fodder quality is vital for livestock health and agricultural sustainability in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze macronutrient, micronutrient, and potentially toxic metal (PTM) content in wheat and rice shoots.
• To evaluate the suitability of these plant samples as fodder for livestock.
• To identify potential sources and absorption pathways of analyzed elements.

Main Methods:

• Collection of wheat and rice shoot samples from villages surrounding Harike wetland.
• Quantification of macronutrients, micronutrients (Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Se), and PTMs (As, Cr) using analytical techniques.
• Statistical analysis to determine correlations between element levels.

Main Results:

• Most macronutrients in wheat and Na, S, P in rice were below normal requirements.
• Elevated levels of Cu, Co, Fe, Mn and low Se were observed in both crops.
• Arsenic (As) and Chromium (Cr) levels exceeded permissible limits in some samples.

Conclusions:

• Wheat and rice shoots from the study area exhibit nutritional imbalances and toxic metal contamination.
• The findings suggest common sources and absorption routes for the analyzed elements.
• These plant samples alone are inadequate as fodder and require supplementation for livestock.