Soil-plant metal interaction is vital in plant metabolism and on effects related to deficiency and
toxicity, yet has received very little attention in terms of research in developing countries. The aim
of the present study was to investigate the composition of Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe in soils and grown
huckleberry (Solanum scabrum) in Bafut Sub-division (North-West Cameroon). Soils and
huckleberry samples were collected in North and South Bafut in the rainy and dry seasons. The
micronutrient levels in Solanum scabrum and soils were measured by Atomic Absorption
Spectrometry. The results revealed that the metal levels of the soils were within the permissible
range for agricultural soils. In the vegetables, only Fe and Mn, the most represented metals, were
within the adequate and normal levels for optimum plant growth and human consumption, while Cu
and Zn contents suggested a dietary intake deficiency for the inhabitants of the study area. The
soil-metal transfer factors were globally less than 1 (0.03 to 0.95), lowest for Cu and highest for Fe.
Between sites, Fe contents were fairly higher in South Bafut soils, while Zn, Mn and Cu were higher
in North Bafut soils. These differences could be explained by the variation in the nature of parentrock in both localities and the slightly acidic soil pH which influences the solubility, mobility and
bioavailability of soil nutrients. Between seasons, there was no significant difference (P<.05)
between metal concentrations of soils and Solanum scabrum, except for Cu in the dry season
vegetables. The present work suggests that S. scabrum could serve as a cheaper source of
micronutrients especially Fe and Mn for the local inhabitants of Bafut and beyond.