Determination of micronutrient accumulation in livestock fodder and soil in three Belgrade municipalities

Abstract

Mineral nutrients (micronutrients) are essential for plant growth and develpment. In low concentrations they have a stimulating effect on plant functioning, but in high concentrations they can be toxic. These micronutrients are naturally present in the environment, but can also originate from industrial plants or from contaminated water used to irrigate agricultural fields. These elements are taken up by plants used for human consumption or grown to feed domestic animals (fodder). In order to evaluate and reduce the risk of growing potentially contaminated plants for livestock feed on soils in the immediate vicinity of coal mines and thermal power plants, the presence of Mn, Se and Zn in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) samples was determined. Alfalfa samples and associated soils were collected from the territory of municipalities of Lazarevac (village Sokolovo) and Obrenovac (village Krtinka), while the territory of the municipality of Surčin (village Jakovo) was chosen as the control site. The bioconcentration factor (BCF), as well as Spearman correlations were calculated, which can provide information about the potential efficiency of the removal of elements from the soil by the plant. The results of the content of the studied elements in fodder were within the usual concentrations for conventional production, except in the case of Se. The Se content in the studied Medicago sativa samples was in a range that can cause chronic or acute poisoning in livestock if consumed, so special attention is needed if these plants are used in the diet of livestock. However, alfalfa was found not to be a significant accumulator of Mn, Se and Zn, as the values of the bioconcentration factor were below 1. Examined element concentrations in soil were within MAC values for soils according to the regulations of the Republic of Serbia. These results urge caution in the cultivation of fodder at investigated sampling sites.