Uptake of trace element by rice

The behaviour of trace element in rice paddy field ecosystem is of great significance as rice is a staple food of India particularly in Meghalaya. In general, cultivating system is an important factor for the plant uptake of trace element from soil. Rice paddy fields have a unique ecosystem from Radioecology point of view. Rice is usually planted under flood conditions in order to provide the best environment for its growth. In the present study, rice grain samples and surface paddy soil samples were collected from the fields to obtain Transfer Factor under equilibrium condition in the field existing around Uranium mineralization zone. Obtaining local soil to rice uptake is important because it depends on climate and soil properties. The objective of the present study is to generate the transfer parameter in the paddy field ecosystem to predict the behaviour of trace elements in the paddy located in the area adjoining the uranium mines in Meghalaya. (author)