Soil micronutrient deficiency affects human health: Expert

Visakhapatnam: The nutritional health of soil affects the health of human beings across the globe, researcher in GITAM Anima Sunil Dadhich has said. Presenting a detailed report on 'Indian soil and its nutritional health status' at GITAM Research Forum here on Saturday, she said that soil micronutrient deficiency impacts human health.

She stated that the deficiency of minerals in the soil ranges between 4.20 per cent to 36.50 per cent. "Soil nutrients play a role in fertilization, fruit and seed production but boron deficiency appears to be prominent in Indian soil," Anima observed that boron deficiency is higher in the eastern region of the country due to its excess leaching in sandy loam soils, alluvial and loess deposits.

The researcher mentioned that boron was essential for animals and human beings because that micronutrient plays a key role in building strong bones and decrease the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

"There is a link between malnutrition and soil nutrients," she added. She suggested that to deal with the micronutrient deficiency among people, the country should concentrate on important aspects like micronutrient requirement of the crops and cropping systems.

GITAM Vice-Chancellor K Sivaramakrishna appreciated the researcher for his study and advised the scholars to take up interdisciplinary studies to develop new areas. The programme was presided by GITAM Research Forum Convener S Ganapathi.