Authors
Edward JM Joy, Martin R Broadley, Scott D Young, Colin R Black, Allan DC Chilimba, E Louise Ander, Thomas S Barlow, Michael J Watts
Publication date
2015/2/1
Journal
Science of the Total Environment
Volume
505
Pages
587-595
Publisher
Elsevier
Description
Food supply and composition data can be combined to estimate micronutrient intakes and deficiency risks among populations. These estimates can be improved by using local crop composition data that can capture environmental influences including soil type. This study aimed to provide spatially resolved crop composition data for Malawi, where information is currently limited.
Six hundred and fifty-two plant samples, representing 97 edible food items, were sampled from > 150 sites in Malawi between 2011 and 2013. Samples were analysed by ICP-MS for up to 58 elements, including the essential minerals calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn).
Maize grain Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Se and Zn concentrations were greater from plants grown on calcareous soils than those from the more widespread low-pH soils. Leafy vegetables from calcareous soils had elevated leaf Ca, Cu, Fe …
Scholar articles
EJM Joy, MR Broadley, SD Young, CR Black… - Science of the Total Environment, 2015