Effect of balanced fertilization on arsenic and other heavy metals uptake in rice and other crops

Abstract

Balanced fertilization of low land rice culture has not proven to be effective in avoiding arsenic accumulation. Accumulation of As has been found to be higher in BRRI-dhan 29 than in BRRIdhan 28 grown under similar condition. The accumulation of a few heavy metals also indicated that balanced fertilization does not play any significant role in their accumulation. On the other hand, excess P over the required amount could help decrease accumulation of As in an upland crop of kangkong. When amaranthus was grown with balanced fertilizer, half that of balanced and one and a half times more than the balanced fertilizer, the balanced fertilizer could keep the accumulation of the heavy metals in the minimum. It seems that cropping system has a role to play in the accumulation of As and heavy metals when they are fertilized. The paper presents some findings in this regards.