Soil tests in Kuttanad paddy fields show aluminium levels 39 to 165 times above safe limits

Key Points

1. Soil tests in Kuttanad reveal high aluminium concentrations.
2. Aluminium levels range from 77.51 ppm to 334.10 ppm, exceeding permissible levels.
3. The problem is linked to increasing soil acidity.
4. Excessive aluminium damages plant root systems and interferes with nutrient absorption.
5. Corrective measures include reducing soil acidity through liming materials.
6. Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, highlights the threat to farmers' livelihoods.
7. The study was conducted by the Kerala Centre for Pest Management (KCPM) and Rice Research Station, Vyttila.
8. Permissible level of aluminium for rice cultivation is 2 ppm.