| Summary: | Bibliography: pages 80-90. === This study constitutes a baseline epidemiological investigation into the nutrient status of soils in the Mseleni district of Kwazulu Natal, where nutrient deficiencies have been implicated in the etiology of an endemic disease. Mseleni Joint Disease (MJD) is a crippling, osteo-arthritic condition which afflicts an unusually high proportion of the inhabitants of this district. Home-grown produce and indigenous plants, which form the basis of the local diet, may be nutritionally inadequate due to soil-related nutrient deficiencies. In spite of this, and the fact that epidemiological studies have been successfully utilized to elucidate the etiology of similar diseases elsewhere, studies to date have not included soil chemical investigations. The main purpose of this study was to assess the nutrient status of soils in the area by means of both chemical analyses and plant growth trials. Water samples were also examined, especially in relation to fluoride levels.
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