| Abstrakt: |
The review paper, summaries the results of heavy metal concentration reported by several authors in the soils of North Indian states viz. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, and crop response towards different heavy metal exposure. The metals which are included in this review study are mainly Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, Co, Mo, V, Cr, Pb, Cd,, and As. Different essential and non-essential metals in soil pose different toxic effects on the plants if present in exceeded concentrations. The level of toxicity varies from crop to crop and from metal to metal. Also the physico-chemical parameters of soils viz., pH, CEC, texture and organic matter influence the uptake of metals. Studies reveal that although the soils of North India are highly productive in nature, but the concentration of some heavy metals was found crossing the permissible limits at different locations. The cause of heavy metal contamination in different regions of North India is anthropogenic which includes the discharge of sewage sludge, fly ash, untreated industrial waste disposal on agricultural land, extensive use of agrochemicals, fertilizer, pesticides used in the agriculture processes. As the soils of Northern India are highly fertile and are in a threat of contamination, a detailed literature survey has been carried out to assess the contamination level and crop response to bring the attention of regulatory bodies and policy makers to take possible measures to prevent further contamination of the soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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