Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

WETLAND SOIL OF KASARAGOD DISTRICT OF KERALA – ITS PROSPECTS AND ASPECTS FOR HUMAN HEALTH

M. MINI AND P.M. BEEBI RAZEENA

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the prospects and aspects of wetland flora and Pedology for human welfare by special reference to small scale clay pots production of potter communities (Kusava ) of Kasaragod dist. The main Panchayath of potter communities in Kasaragod district are Madikkai, Chengala, Pullur periya, Kodom beloor, Pallikara, Bedadka and Muliyar and the main potter communities are Kulala, Anthur Nair and Kusava. Potter communities collected clay soil from the wetland (paddy field) for clay pot formation. Physico chemical analysis of claysoil used for clay pot preparation collected from three regions Erikulam of Madikai panchayath, Paika of Muliyar panchayath and Velamthadkam of Bedadka panchayath reveals that it has plenty of physico chemical elements and small scale industrial value with cultivation of Paddy. All these soil contain inorganic elements like Ca, Fe, K, P, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, S and Mg in different concentrations.Erikulam soil has rich Ca (92 mg/Kg) and Paika has rich Fe (232 mg/Kg) than other regions. Hygrophila spinosa T. Anders, Helotropium indicum Linn , Cardiospermum helicacabum L, Sida acuta Burm, f Sida cordata Burm.f, Oryza sativa L, hydrocotyl asiatica L, Cynadon dactylon L, Mimosa pudica L, Urena lobata L, Centratherum brachiatum are the flora of the Erikulam wetlands have Economically and Ethnomedicinally valuble. Clay pots have more advantages over other utencils made by Al, Fe, Cu and Pb. Clay pots are porous and have ion exchange capacity. The Pots speciality is that is alkaline will interact with acidity in the food, neutralizing the pH balance. So basically clay pots offer much more health advantages than todayÂ’s utencils. So we must follow the traditional way of cooking in clay pots and improve the healthy habits of present and future generation and so we must conserve the wetlands.