Consumption Of Crops Research Articles

Predictors of vitamin A rich food consumption among women living in households growing orange-fleshed sweetpotatoes in selected regions in Uganda.

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) has serious public health consequences including morbidity and mortality for populations in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially for children under 5 years and pregnant women. LMICs are at greater risk of VAD, in part due to low levels of consumption of vitamin A-rich foods most of which are plant-based, such as orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), with lower bioavailability than animal sources of the vitamin A. Food-based approaches such as biofortification of OFSP, including promoting the consumption of vitamin A-rich biofortified staple crops, has been shown to be potentially effective in improving the status of vitamin A and other micronutrients. This study examined vitamin A-rich food consumption and its predictors among women of reproductive age from OFSP-growing households in two regions of Uganda. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 617 OFSP growing households, focusing on women in the reproductive age group from the northern and eastern regions of Uganda. Households were not receiving any VAD-related intervention at the time of the survey. Quantitative data included vitamin A-rich food consumption, knowledge on vitamin A, and rich food sources dietary intake, using a 7-day food frequency questionnaire. Vitamin A consumption and risk of deficiency were estimated using the Hellen Keller International guide. The majority of women in this study were either pregnant (80%) or lactating (17%). More than 70% of the study population had a weighted vitamin A rich food consumption mean score of <6 days per week, indicating a high risk of VAD. Knowledge about vitamin A [b (SE) = -0.18 (0.50), p < 0.001] was significantly and inversely associated with vitamin A rich food consumption. Components of food insecurity such as availability, affordability, utilization, and changing food preferences may contribute to the unexpected inverse relationship between knowledge and consumption of vitamin A rich foods. Scaling up biofortified food initiatives, including OFSP, can improve consumption of vitamin A rich foods with effective strategies to comprehensively address consumption barriers such as lack of nutrition education, cooking skills, and storage facilities, as well as low production levels and perceived contamination of biofortified foods.

ПОВЫШЕНИЕ ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ ПОЛИВНЫХ НОРМ ПРИ ОРОШАЕМОМ ВОЗДЕЛЫВАНИИ КОРМОВЫХ КУЛЬТУР В УСЛОВИЯХ СТЕПНОЙ ЗОНЫ СЕВЕРНОГО КАЗАХСТАНА

The article presents the results of research on the selection and use of sprinkling machines in the cultivation of agrophytocenoses of fodder crops on irrigated lands of Northern Kazakhstan. Evaluation and selection of a sprinkling machine for Northern Kazakhstan were made on the basis of theoretical data from previous studies, taking into account the following factors – low water and energy intensity, less or safe volume of soil washout. The objects of the study were annual fodder crops for mowing, in field experiments classical methods were used, based on the principles of observing a single difference by setting up and laying field and laboratory experiments on soils typical for the region, selecting a sprinkling machine by analyzing theoretical indicators.The analysis showed that the pre-irrigation soil moisture is not taken into account when calculating the erosion-permissible irrigation rate, which causes the risk of runoff and soil erosion at high thresholds of pre-irrigation soil moisture (70% lowest moisture capacity and more), respectively, the use of the ValleyFP565 sprinkling machine, with the calculated Erosion-Permissible Irrigation Rate indicators, does not cause runoff water, respectively, soil erosion and an irrational increase in the irrigation rate. For the cultivation of mixed sowing of oats with mustard during irrigation with a growing season of 56 days, 4 irrigations were required with an irrigation rate of 1096 m3/ha. During irrigation, the total water consumption of oat crops with mustard was 1638 m3/ha, while the share of the irrigation norm in the total water consumption was 61.5%.

ЖАМБЫЛ ОБЛЫСЫ ЖАҒДАЙЛАРЫНДАҒЫ КӨКӨНІС ДАҚЫЛДАРЫНЫҢ СУ ПАЙДАЛАНУ ЖИЫНТЫҒЫН ЗЕРТТЕУ

The scientific article presents the results of a study of the water-use aggregate of crops during irrigation of vegetable crops by various irrigation methods on loamy gray soils of the Zhambyl region. Vegetable crops were watered systematically and drip. For irrigation, a drip irrigation system was used, which has a high water-saving capacity and does not require high funds. The daily and total water use of vegetable crops during the growing season are determined. As a result of the study, it was found that the daily set of water consumption of vegetable crops showed a low indicator in the drip irrigation variant. The total water use of vegetable crops showed high indicators in the variant of systematic irrigation and amounted to 4151m3/ha, and in the variant of drip irrigation 2333m3/ha, that is-1818m3/ha. The total water use of vegetable crops for months showed low rates in the drip irrigation option. The average daily water use of vegetable crops in the drip irrigation variant in June and July was 22-24m3/ha, and in systematic irrigation in these months was 33-43m3/ha. Low average daily water use of crops was observed in the drip irrigation variant in August and was equal to 18m3/ha. The main revenue part of the water balance of vegetable crops was irrigation work. It was found that the total water use of vegetable crops in the variant of systematic irrigation showed a high rate of 44%.

Assessment of Natural Radioactivity and Radiological Hazard indices in Cassava Cultivated in Oil Producing Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

The natural radioactivity and radiological hazard indices associated with the consumption of cassava crops grown in five communities with history of oil spillage, gas flaring, oil bunkering activities and operation of illegal artisanal oil refining in Rivers State was assessed and measured with gamma ray spectroscopy. Five samples of cassava crop and five samples of soil were collected from the five communities. The results obtained were used to evaluate the soil-to-cassava transfer factor (TF) due to ingestion of cassava crops/staple foods by inhabitants in the area. The mean activity of soil samples ranged from 17.77±4.20Bq/kg to 31.84±3.20Bq/kg for 238U, 22.75±3.30Bq/kg to 33.82±4.70Bq/kg for 232Th and 110.44±9.60Bq/kg to 483.15±18.20Bq/kg for 40K, and is within permissible standard, but is higher than the mean activity in the control. The mean activity of cassava samples ranged from 6.50±1.30Bq/kg to 29.70±6.20Bq/kg for 238U, 5.80±2.20Bq/kg to 16.50±6.80Bq/kg for 232Th and 383.20±28.10Bq/kg to 482.30±35.80Bq/kg for 40K and is found higher than those of the control samples, and the international permissible limits. The study revealed that although some of the radiological hazard indices in the cassava samples were below the allowable standards, the estimated committed annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk due to ingestion of cassava crops/staple foods is respectively over 2.9 times and 5.9 times higher than the international permissible limit of 0.29mSv/y. The rate of radionuclides transferred from soilto-cassava has mean TF of 232Th &lt; 238U

Price Volatility And Market Integration: The Case Of Selected Cereal Merchandizing In South-South, Nigeria

Price volatility is a major tool that drives market integration. The broad objective of the study is to determine the effect of price volatility on market integration of selected cereal in South-South Nigeria. The population of the study was made up of cereal crops producers and consumers in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states. Krejcie &amp; Morgan statistical table was used to determine the sample size of 384 respondents and they were selected using multi-stage sampling method.&nbsp; The statistical tools used include; simple percentage, mean, frequency and multiple regression analysis. The findings of the study showed that all variables examined such as marketing infrastructure, volatile policy and domestic production were positive and significant factors that affect market integration of cereal crops production and consumption in south-south, Nigeria. The findings further revealed that when proper marketing infrastructure, improved policies, domestic production and market-driven pricing are well blended, they will on the aggregate foster positive market integration in the production of cereal crops in south-south, Nigeria. Therefore, the study concluded that, government agency regulators and key industry players need to engage optimal&nbsp;&nbsp; adjustment to impart positively the fluctuating indicators of production process, policies, etc. to effect positive market integration in cereal crop production.

Influence of variability of climatic indicators onwater consumption of cotton

Processing and analysing average annual climatic parameters over 89 years revealed some trends in air temperature, relative air humidity, and precipitation in the typical grey soils (sierozem) region. These trends demonstrate sustained growth of the climatic indices. However, evaporation rates, deficit indices, and their movements, calculated and performed based on the above climatic parameters, have been decreasing with time. Over the recent years, such a downward tendency in climate elements change has reduced irrigation water requirements of early-ripening cotton plants. The article performs experimental data on evaporation rates measured using small-diameter evaporation pans about watertemperature and wind speed. In the region with typical grey soilsover quite a long observation period, significant changes in climatic elements have occurred, which have had a substantial impact on irrigation schedules and total water consumption of crops; these changes are the following: the rise of annual average air temperature by one degree, relative air humidity – by 25%, precipitation – by 40%.

Association between dietary patterns and lipid profile of older adults in Kogi State, Nigeria

Background: Older adults require proper dietary and lifestyle modification to reduce the risk of age-related disorders. Aims: The study assessed the dietary pattern in relation to the lipid profile of older adults (≥ 65years) in Dekina LGA of Kogi State. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study design employed multi-stage random sampling to select 150 older persons. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Kogi State Ministry of Health Lokoja, Kogi State (MOH. /KGS/1376/1/96). Food frequency questionnaire was used to elicit information on the frequency of food consumption, food consumption pattern was grouped into high-risk food and low risk foods. Lipid profile was assessed and categorized using standard procedure. All analysis were done using IBM SPSS Version 21. Results: Results revealed the frequent (&gt; 5 times / week) consumption of staple crops across the various food groups by a good number of the respondents; maize (52.7 %), sorghum (34.0), millet (38.0 %), fish (81.4 %), crayfish (25.5 %), beans (22.7 %) bamabara nut (27.4 %), mango (31.3 %), cashew (27.4 %), orange (23.3 %), amarantus ‘alefo’ leaf (22.1 %) and palm oil (91.4 %). There was no significant relationship between high-risk foods consumed by the respondents and all the lipid profile parameters. A negative non-significant relationship (p &gt; 0.01) existed between all lipid parameters and low risk foods consumed by the respondents except for triglycerides. Conclusion: The respondents’ dietary intake of low-risk foods is protective of nutrition related disorders. Improved nutrition education geared towards improving the consumption of low-risk foods and rear intake of high risk (processed) foods should be encouraged. Keywords: Dietary pattern, lipid profile, high/low risk foods, older persons, nutrition related diseases.

STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF FERTILIZATION ON THE ABUNDANCE OF SOIL MICROBIAL COMMUNITY, ITS COMPOSITION AND ANTIFUNGAL EFFICACY

Soil microbial community is of high importance in preserving soil functions and its ecosystem goods and services. Within field experiences, regarding agricultural sustainability and the resilience of agro-ecosystems, a study was conducted to evaluate the evolution and abundance of the soil microbial community under the influence of environmental and agro-technical factors. For this purpose, periodic determinations of the microbial community on the depth of 0-20 cm were made in the plots cultivated with wheat, maize, soybean and a mixture of perennial grasses and legumes. In the experimental field, organic fertilizer materials (manure compost in doses of 15, 30 and 60 t/ha) and synthetic fertilizers (complex fertilizer in formula 20.20.0, in doses which varied with the specific consumption of crops and the amount of manure compost) were applied. At the same time, in the laboratory, biometric determinations were made regarding the antifungal efficacy of soil microorganisms after 5 days from incubation. The results of microbiological analyses showed that the microbial population from soil inhibits the in vitro development of the pathogen tested.

MODELING THE EFFECTS OF INSECTICIDES ON CROP PRODUCTION IN THE PRESENCE OF INSECT POPULATION

In this research work, a nonlinear mathematical model is proposed and analyzed to study the adverse effects of insects on agricultural productivity by controlling the insect population using insecticides. In the model formulation, it is assumed that agricultural crops grow logistically and the growth rate of insects wholly depends on agricultural crops with Holling type-II functional response. It is further assumed that insects uptake insecticides; thus, the amount of insecticides decreases at a rate proportional to its amount and the density of insect population, and the growth rate of insect population decrease in the same proportion. The feasibility of all non-negative equilibria and their stability properties are discussed. Stability analysis specifies that agricultural crop consumption rate destabilizes the system; however, the spraying rate of insecticides stabilizes the system. The conditions for the existence of pitchfork and Hopf-bifurcation are derived. Considering the spraying rate of insecticides as time-dependent, we have also discussed the optimal control strategy to minimize both insect density and the associated cost. The numerical simulation validates the analytical findings.

Evaluation of Pollution Level, Spatial Distribution, and Ecological Effects of Antimony in Soils of Mining Areas: A Review.

The first global-scale assessment of Sb contamination in soil that was related to mining/smelting activities was conducted based on 91 articles that were published between 1989 and 2021. The geographical variation, the pollution level, the speciation, the influencing factors, and the environmental effects of Sb that were associated with mining/smelting-affected soils were analyzed. The high Sb values mainly occurred in developed (Poland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia) and developing (China, Algeria, Slovakia) countries. Sb concentrations of polluted soil from mining areas that were reported in most countries significantly exceeded the maximum permissible limit that is recommended by WHO, except in Turkey and Macedonia. The soil Sb concentrations decreased in the order of Oceania (29,151 mg/kg) > North Africa (13,022 mg/kg) > Asia (1527 mg/kg) > Europe (858 mg/kg) > South America (37.4 mg/kg). The existing extraction methods for Sb speciation have been classified according to the extractant, however, further research is needed in the standardization of these extraction methods. Modern analytical and characterization technologies, e.g., X-ray absorption spectroscopy, are effective at characterizing chemical speciation. Conditional inference tree (CIT) analysis has shown that the clay content was the major factor that influenced the soil Sb concentration. Non-carcinogenic risks to the public from soil Sb pollution were within the acceptable levels in most regions. An Sb smelter site at the Endeavour Inlet in New Zealand, an abandoned open-pit Sb mine in Djebel Hamimat, Algeria, an old Sb-mining area in Tuscany, Italy, and Hillgrove mine in Australia were selected as the priority control areas. Cynodon dactylon, Boehmeria, Pteris vittata, and Amaranthus paniculatus were found to be potential Sb accumulators. All of the values of bioaccumulation factors for the crops were less than one. However, ingestion of Sb through crop consumption posed potential non-carcinogenic health risks, which should not be neglected. The soil variables (pH, Eh, total sulfur, carbon nitrogen ratio, total organic carbon, and sulfate), the total Sb and the bioavailable Sb, and heavy metal(loid)s (As, Pb, and Fe) were the major parameters affecting the microbial community compositions.

Determination of the Level of Heavy Metals in the Selected Cereals from Debre Markos Local Market, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Environmental contamination by heavy metals has become a worldwide problem in recent years because of industrial and agricultural development which causes cereal crop contamination via their wastes. The presence of toxic heavy metals in cereal crops accumulate in the body for a prolonged period of time which poses acute and chronic health risks. The aim of the study was to assess the level of heavy metals in selected cereals sold at Debre Markos local market, in Ethiopia. The samples were prepared for analysis by using the dry ashing method, and their cadmium, lead, chromium, and copper contents were analyzed by using microwave-induced plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) and were expressed in mgkg-1 dry weight. The accuracy of the method was analyzed by the spike recovery test. The percentage recovery for Cr, Cu, Pb, and Cd in each sample ranged from 85.6 to 112.8%. The levels of heavy metals (mean ± SD) were as follows: chromium, 2.20 ± 0.072, 2.22 ± 0.061, 1.57 ± 0.48, and 1.84 ± 0.26; copper, 2.94 ± 0.19, 2.31 ± 0.06, 1.28 ± 0.13, 1.52 ± 0.035, and 2.31 ± 0.06; lead, 0.49 ± 0.031, 0.34 ± 0.121, 0.52 ± 0.029, and 0.37 ± 0.15; and cadmium, 2.01 ± 1.73, 1.84 ± 1.60, 1.95 ± 1.69, and 1.93 ± 1.67 for barley, teff, wheat, and maize, respectively. This study revealed that the levels of Cr and Cu are generally below the permissible limit. However, the levels of Pb and Cd in all cereal samples were found to be above the permissible limit set by FAO/WHO, 0.2 and 0.1 mg kg-1, respectively. The findings of the study suggest that most of the analyzed crops contained unsafe levels of lead and cadmium that exceeded the WHO permissible limits. Therefore, regular monitoring of these toxic metals in cereal crops should be carried out to prevent heavy metal toxicity associated with the consumption of some cereal crops marketed in the Debre Markos local market, Ethiopia.

A national-scale distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in cropland soils and major types of food crops in China: Co-occurrence and associated risks

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that resist degradation in the environment. OCPs remain detectable in cropland systems in China. However, spatial distribution of OCPs across China and associated ecological and health risks, as well as the relationship between levels of OCPs in cropland soils and crops, remain to be elucidated. To fill these gaps, we conducted a national-scale characterization of 19 individual OCPs in cropland soils and food crops including cereals and legumes in China, which were on-spot sampled simultaneously. Sparse canonical correlation analysis was employed to investigate the co-occurrence of OCPs in cropland soils and corresponding food crops. The ecological soil screening levels and risk quotient method were adopted for ecological and health risk assessment, respectively. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) were dominant in cropland systems, with its levels ranging up to 337 and 22.8 μg/kg in cropland soils and food crops, respectively. The mean ∑OCP levels in cropland soils varied from below the limit of detection to 337 μg/kg. Peanuts were the most contaminated crop, in which endosulfans and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were co-occurrent with those in cropland soils (correlation coefficient R = 0.999 and 0.947, respectively). Besides, lindane and β-endosulfan in rice were co-occurrent with those in cropland soils (R = 0.810 and 0.868, respectively). The componential ratio analysis indicated fresh inputs of technical DDT, lindane, chlordane, endosulfan, HCB and aldrin. Among these pesticides, ecological impacts of DDTs, lindane, aldrin and β-endosulfan could be expected. Human health risk assessment suggested that daily consumption of the OCP-contaminated food crops raises a health concern especially for male teens. It is concluded that OCPs remain present in cropland systems in China at levels that raise a concern for both environment and human health.

Ethnic crop consumption and marketing in the Eastern United States: Trends and prospects

The population demographics of the eastern U.S has changed in recent years with an increase in immigrants, particularly of Asian and Hispanic origins. This trend motivated the identification of foods preferred by these ethnic communities in 16 states in the region and Washington, D.C., focusing on greens and herbs. Over 100 ethnic greens and herbs were identified as being preferred food choices, from which 40 were selected for further study, representing 10 crops important to four ethnicities: Asian Indian, Chinese, Mexican, and Puerto Rico. Bulletin board focus group and telephone survey participants responded to questions regarding their consumption in 2010. The relevant information was collected to assess retail sales for each crop for each of the four ethnic groups. Results demonstrated that the ethnic crop demand in the eastern U.S is significant, and the prospects for future growth are promising as the population of ethnic consumers in the region is projected to continue to grow.

Biodegradable Recycled Paper Mulch Reduces Strawberry Water Consumption and Crop Coefficient

Mulching with recycled paper has the potential to be used in agricultural production and can be adopted in strawberry cultivation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic characteristics, water consumption and technical coefficients of strawberry cultivated with recycled paper as mulch. The treatments consisted of strawberry cultivation in lysimeters with recycled paper mulch and without soil cover. The recycled paper used was 187 μm-thick. The irrigation system was installed with drippers whose flow rate was 2 L h−1. Strawberry irrigation requirements were 317 and 394 mm, with and without mulch, respectively. Mulching with recycled paper did not have a significant effect on the average number of fruits, fresh fruit mass, fruit waste per plant, average fruit yield and water productivity. In relation to the technical coefficients, maximum values of the evaporation coefficient (Ke) of 0.40 (calculated with the evapotranspiration of the grass—L) and 0.28 (calculated with the Penman–Monteith ETo—PM) were obtained for OPM. The Kc values for the initial and full development stages were 0.31 and 0.84 (L) and 0.24 and 0.66 (PM), respectively. NDVI can be used to estimate strawberry Kc values. Recycled paper as mulch reduces the water consumption of strawberry crops and does not alter the agronomic characteristics.

Leveraging Nutrient-Rich Traditional Foods to Improve Diets among Indigenous Populations in India: Value Chain Analysis of Finger Millet and Kionaar Leaves.

Many indigenous foods are nutrient-rich but are often underutilized even among populations at high risk of malnutrition. The aims of this study were to conduct value chain analysis of one cultivated crop (finger millet among the Munda tribe) and one wild green leafy vegetable (Koinaar leaves among the Sauria Paharia tribe) of two Indigenous communities in Jharkhand state, India and to identify entry points for interventions aimed at supporting production and consumption. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders among each tribal group and transcripts were open coded and organized based on key themes across the steps of the value chain for each food independently. Improved storage techniques and infrastructure, machinery for processing and improved cooking fuel would help reduce barriers across the finger millet supply chain related to postharvest losses, processing labor and safety concerns related to cooking. For Koinaar leaves, improving drying techniques to increase consumption across seasons and providing training and support to increase opportunities for selling leaves in local markets, where participants mentioned potential language barriers, could strengthen the supply chain. Improving extension services and focusing beyond production has potential to improve the production and consumption of both nutrient-rich crops among Indigenous communities in India.

The impact of environmental policy on the global consumption of climate-friendly crops: Evidence from crops reducing carbon emissions

The circular system between agricultural activities and climate change has increased countries ‘mitigation strategies and actions. Overall, global environmental policies that mitigate the impact of agricultural activities on climate are limited to the interventions on the production side. Using a multi-period difference-in-differences model, we studied the impact of those policies on the consumption of Climate Friendly Crops (CFC). Overall, the results showed that most of the actual climate policies did not have a significant impact on the consumption of CFC. In particular, policies that set a specific benchmark for GHG emissions from agriculture can reduce the consumption of CFC while those advocating a dietary change can boost the consumption of CFC. Furthermore, we found that the consumption of CFC can increase after longer exposure to the policy which enhances the importance of early actions regarding climate change mitigation. Thus, to reach global climate targets, interventions at national and individual levels are required. Country-specific interventions such as rising consumers' awareness and knowledge about CFC are strongly recommended. Policies should also emphasize, product labeling, nutrition education, feeding program, and support to the producers of CFC.

Potential conflict as an opportunity for coexistence: cosmovision and attitudes of Arhuaco people towards jaguars

Human responses to alterations caused by wildlife in human livelihoods depend on psychological and cultural factors, in addition to tangible factors. The ideas of transforming the discourse of conflict into a vision of coexistence, as well as of promoting a dialogue between science and ancestral knowledge, have been increasingly valued in biodiversity conservation. In ten communities of the Arhuaco people (Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia), we qualitatively explored the role of the jaguar (Panthera onca) and its main prey (deer, peccary and paca) in the Arhuaco cosmovision, as well as how these people interpret and manage the alterations caused by these species on their livelihood from a cultural perspective. We evaluated quantitatively their cognitive, affective, and behavioral attitudes towards coexistence with these species. Our findings show that attitudes towards coexistence with the jaguar and its main prey were significantly more positive among those who have been affected by wildlife (i.e., livestock depredation and crop consumption) or who, according to their occupation (ranchers-farmers), have a higher risk of being affected. These attitudes could be better understood in light of the principles of the Arhuaco cosmovision, that have a profoundly ecological ethic, in which the jaguar plays a primordial role in the spiritual, cosmogonic, and natural order. Guaranteeing the protection of Arhuaco culture and territory could be very valuable for the conservation of the jaguar and biodiversity in the ecoregion of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Interindividual differences in crop foraging behavior of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at a forest–agriculture interface

Abstract The expansion of agriculture in equatorial areas is fragmenting and reducing wildlife habitats. For primates, it also increases opportunities to consume crops as high-energy resources, exacerbates conflicts with farmers, and increases exposure to diseases and agrochemicals at the edge of protected areas. In species with sex differences in ranging behavior, individual exposure to such opportunities and threats may vary by sex. Chimpanzees show a great feeding flexibility and are territorial species with varied ranging patterns according to site, sex, or individuals. Within a community whose territory is crossed by a high-traffic road and partially bordered by maize gardens, we tested hypotheses of interindividual differences in access to crops based on age, sex, ranging behavior, and kinship. By analyzing the presence of Sebitoli chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, Kibale National Park, Uganda) on video clips from 16 camera traps, we estimated the individual dispersion range across the community’s territory and the crop foraging frequency along maize gardens over 16 months. While all age and sex classes were represented at the forest–garden interface, large intrasex differences were observed: some mature males and females were not observed to participate. The crop foraging frequency of adult females in maize gardens was significantly correlated with the location of their ranging areas. Related individuals revealed similar range patterns within the forest territory without sharing crop foraging habits. However, social learning and energy and risks–benefits trade-offs as potential drivers of crop consumption are not excluded.

LEAD ACCUMULATION IN MAIZE GRAINS, LEAVES AND OTHER PARTS OF THE PLANT: A POSSIBLE ROUTE FOR LEAD POISONING

Lead (Pb) accumulation in parts of maize plant as a possible route for Pb poisoning was investigated. Experimental design adopted was a 3 factorial combination (4 x 1 x 1). Prior to planting of seeds, soil sample was analyzed for its physicochemical properties. At maturity, maize crop and parts of the plants were harvested and analyzed for their Pb contents. TF, BCF and BAF were as well determined. Physicochemical properties’ results revealed that pH was 6.75, Ec = 1.62 dSm-, K = 1.66 %, Mg =12.87 cmol/kg, Ca =1.9 cmol/kg, N = 0.6%, P = 0.98%, BD = 1.25 g/cm3 and MC = 40.84%. TF, BCF and BAF value obtained were &lt; 1. Similarly, Pb found in the grains, leaves, shots, roots and soil were within 0.3133 - 1.0533 ppm; 4.7133 - 7.100 ppm; 8.070 - 14.09 ppm; 14.02 - 26.00 ppm and 172 - 551.34 ppm for grains, leaves, shoots, roots and soil Pb concentration respectively. However, consumption of vegetables and crops cultivated in Pb contaminated soil will pose serious health risk to the consumers as Pb found in the grain and leaves of maize were above the maximum permissible limit for health safety (0.2 ppm) recommended by joint FAO/WHO.

RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS LEVEL IN SOILS AND FOOD CROPS AROUND A CERAMICS COMPANY IN AJAOKUTA, KOGI STATE, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Some metals associated with ceramics emission were determined in agricultural soil and leaves of maize and cassava around the vicinity of a major ceramic company. These metals are released during production process into the environment. Soil samples were collected at depth of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm at certain distance (100 m, 200 m, 300 m and 400 m). Leaves of maize and cassava were collected around the soil samples area. Samples were collected to make a composite of 24 for both soil and leaves of crops respectively. Soil and plant digest were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Result showed the range of metal (mg/kg) in topsoil Cd (1.00-8.25), Mn (3.75-62.0), Ni (11.0-46.3) and Pb (5.50-101.2). Corresponding value in subsoil was not significantly different (p&gt;0.05). The concentration of Mn in leaves of cassava is of concern especially if it will be used in the formulation of animal feed. The geo-accumulation (Igeo) of metals in soil revealed that the soil is slightly polluted. Uptake of metals into crops was low except Mn in cassava leaves. A health risk index (HRI) value for the food crops was &lt;1 except for Mn were HRI&gt;1 for cassava. Overall food crop consumption of the study area does not pose a potential threat at the moment.