ABSTRACT
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for humans and animals, and is primarily supplied via forages and food crops. Se in forages and food crops is dependent on Se content of the soil in areas where there is no other supplementation. This chapter discusses the effects of land use patterns, soil types, and elevations on soil Se content, and explores the relationship between soil Se content and selected ecological factors in the study areas. Most of areas are Se-medium, while Se-rich areas are mainly distributed in the central and southern regions, and selenium-deficient areas are mainly distributed in the north of Yuanzhou district. Se content is significantly different under different land use patterns. The Se content of soil showed certain spatial distribution characteristics. The Se-deficient areas are mainly located in the north of Yuanzhou District, and the Se-rich areas are mainly located in the central and southern part.
