Showing papers in "Soil Science in 2015"

Trace Metal Contamination in New York City Garden Soils

Abstract: Urban gardening, urban agriculture, and urban farming provide healthy food and promote environmental, social, cultural, and educational benefits. However, urban soil is a natural sink for contaminants derived mainly from historical anthropogenic activities. This article reports a summary of trace metal concentrations (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) of 1,652 garden soil samples from 904 gardens in New York City. Based on the Soil Cleanup Objective (SCO) criteria developed by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (6 NYCRR Part 375). Many of the soils analyzed exceeded the limits for Pb, Cr, As, and Cd levels. Higher percentages of home gardens are contaminated than community gardens. When accounting for Pb and As levels, about 21% of the community garden samples and 71% of the home garden samples exceed respective SCO limits. Among all home and community garden samples, less than 3% meet the criteria for unrestricted use when all trace metals are considered. There are controversies on the appropriateness of SCO criteria for urban gardening situations. Consistent soil trace metal guidelines pertaining to gardening need to be developed. Expanded soil screening, greater public awareness, and education are urgently needed to ensure safe and successful urban agriculture.

Pedogenetic Trends in Soils Formed in Technogenic Parent Materials

Abstract: Soils formed in technogenic parent materials are proliferating, and their pedogenesis remains inadequately understood. On investigation of soils formed in various technogenic materials reported in the literature and of a Technosol developing on iron industry deposits, potential specificities of pedogenesis within technogenic materials are discussed. Analyses have shown that pedogenetic processes observed in these soils are similar to those occurring in natural soils. However, some particularities have been highlighted, such as the coexistence of processes rarely encountered simultaneously in natural environments or high rates of soil development during the first stages of weathering. Technogenic materials display highly diverse constituents, wide spatial variability, and temporal discontinuities as a result of human activities. These inherent features, in interaction with other soil-forming factors, may govern pedogenesis by generating the following conditions: (i) a high diversity of pedogenetic processes, including processes occurring usually in dissimilar climatic regions; (ii) localized processes and distinct rates and orientations of soil development over short distance; and (iii) a succession and/or a superimposition of processes, constrained by the deposition of materials and human operations. This creates the potential for the simultaneity of processes coexisting rarely in natural soils developing in the same climatic region. These soils are likely to have a polycyclic evolution and to evolve toward groups of soils other than Technosols, depending on the dominant processes. Further investigations of the processes and their potential interactions occurring in a larger range of soils formed in technogenic materials are required to better predict the evolution of these soils.

A Global comparison of surface soil characteristics across five cities: A test of the urban ecosystem convergence hypothesis.

Abstract: As part of the Global Urban Soil Ecology and Education Network and to test the urban ecosystem convergence hypothesis, we report on soil pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) measured in four soil habitat types (turfgrass, ruderal, remnant, and reference) in five metropolitan areas (Baltimore, Budapest, Helsinki, Lahti, Potchefstroom) across four biomes.We expected the urban soil characteristics to "converge" in comparison to the reference soils. Moreover, we expected cities in biomes with more limiting climatic conditions, or where local factors strongly affect soil characteristics, would exhibit the greatest variance across soil types within and among cities. In addition, soil characteristics related to biogenic factors (OC, TN) would vary the most because of differences in climate and human efforts to overcome limiting environmental conditions. The comparison of soils among and within the five cities suggests that anthropogenic, and to a lesser degree native, factors interact in the development of soils in urban landscapes. In particular, characteristics affected by anthropogenic processes and closely associated with biogenic processes (OC, TN) converged, while characteristics closely associated with parent material (K, P) did not converge, but rather diverged, across all soil habitat types. These results partially supported the urban ecosystem convergence hypothesis in that a convergence occurred for soil characteristics affected by climatic conditions. However, the divergence of K and P was unexpected and warrants adjusting the hypothesis to account for variations in anthropogenic effects (e.g., management) that may occur within soil habitat types impacted by humans. Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of Bound Water Content of Loess Soils by Isothermal Adsorption and Thermogravimetric Analysis

Abstract: Loess is a wind-blown deposit generally low in clay content. Despite being strongly hydrophilic, there is a lack of detailed investigation of bound water on loess particle surfaces. An integrated approach incorporating isothermal adsorption and thermogravimetric analyses was applied to determine the content of different types of bound water on the surfaces of four loess soil samples with clay contents varying between 12.2% and 26.9%. At 25°C, strongly bound water was found at a relative humidity (RH) lower than 11% and was released at temperatures between 135° and 210°C, whereas weakly bound water was found at an RH between 11% and 75% and was released at temperatures ranging between 75° and 135°C. Capillary water formed by water vapor condensation when RH was greater than 75% and completely evaporated at 75°C. The amounts of strongly and weakly bound water on the loess particle surfaces ranged from 0.5% to 0.8% and from 1.4% to 2.2%, respectively. Total bound water content ranged from 1.9% to 3.9%, and the fractions of strongly and weakly bound water were about 26% and 74%, respectively. We found a linear relationship between the content of clay minerals and the amount of bound water.

Issues relating to classification of colluvial soils in young morainic areas (Chełmno and Brodnica Lake District, northern Poland)

Abstract: Colluvial soils (in Polish: gleby deluwialne) are an important part of the soil cover in young morainic landscapes of northern Poland. They evolved as a result of the accumulation of eroded material at the foot of the slopes and bottoms of closed depressions. The aim of this study was to determine the systematic position of colluvial soils commonly found in the Chelmno and Brodnica Lake District, northern Poland. Ten soil pits located in different types of landscapes were selected for testing soil properties. The colluvial material is characterized by diversified properties: thickness, particle-size distribution, organic carbon content, color, pH, and base saturation. As a result, the investigated soils represent broad spectrum of typological units according to Polish Soil Classification (2011). Some of them contain epipedons mollic and meet the criteria of colluvial chernozemic soils. They were found mainly on buried black earths in areas with small slope inclinations. Many pedons contain pale colored acidic colluvial material with low base saturation and low organic carbon content and must be classified as other types: arenosols (in Polish: arenosole) or rusty soils (in Polish: gleby rdzawe). These soils occur mostly in areas with intensive relief and overlay the different soil types, including rusty soil and organic soils. They are formed as a result of soils lessives and rusty soils truncation. An introduction of the additional units of “proper colluvial soils” which have epipedon ochric, and “rusty-colluvial soils” with endopedon sideric to the next edition of Polish Soil Classification would enable a more precise expression of the genesis of these soils in the type rank. Moreover, the definition of chernozemic colluvial soils could be extended to colluvial soils with umbric horizon. Classifying soils derived from colluvial material as soils of other types leads to the disappearance of this units on maps and underestimation of the impact of denudation on the soil cover.

Influence of legume crops on content of organic carbon in sandy soil.

Abstract: The paper presents the results of a 3-year field experiment designed to evaluate the content of organic carbon in brown soil (Haplic Cambisol Dystric) developed from a light loamy sand under legumes cultivation. Experimental factors were: species of legume crop (colorful-blooming pea (Pisum sativum), chickling vetch (Lathyrus sativus), narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), methods of legumes tillage (legumes in pure culture and in mixture with naked oats) and mineral N fertilization (0, 30, 60, 90 kg N·ha⁻¹). Cultivation of legumes on sandy soil did not result in an increase of organic carbon content in the soil after harvest as compared to the initial situation, i.e. 7.39 vs. 7.76 g·kg⁻¹ dry matter (DM), on average, respectively. However, there was the beneficial effect of this group of plants on soil abundance in organic matter, the manifestation of which was higher content of organic carbon in soils after legume harvest as compared to soils with oats grown (7.21 g·kg⁻¹ DM, on average). Among experimental crops, cultivation of pea exerted the most positive action to organic carbon content (7.58 g·kg⁻¹, after harvest, on average), whereas narrow-leaved lupin had the least effect on organic carbon content (7.23 g·kg⁻¹, on average). Pure culture and greater intensity of legume cultivation associated with the use of higher doses of mineral nitrogen caused less reduction in organic carbon content in soils after harvest.

Pore Structure Characteristics after 2 Years of Biochar Application to a Sandy Loam Field

Abstract: Abstract Soil pore structure comprises the size and shape of soil pores and has a major impact on water retention and gas movement. The porous nature of biochar suggests that its application to soil can potentially alter soil pore structure characteristics, and the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of birch wood biochar (20, 40, and 100 Mg ha−1) applied to a sandy loam on soil total porosity and pore structure indices. Bulk and intact soil samples were collected for physicochemical analyses and water retention and gas diffusivity measurements between pF 1.0 and pF 3.0. Biochar application reduced bulk density and increased total porosity especially for soil with 100 Mg ha−1 biochar (16% and 14% reduction in bulk density and total porosity, respectively). Biochar application of more than 20 Mg ha−1 enhanced water retention, and the trend increased with increasing biochar application rate, where the maximum increment was 12% at 100 Mg ha−1 biochar treatment. A pore size distribution index, B, derived from water retention, indicated a wider soil pore size distribution in biochar-amended soil than in the reference soil, especially for the 100–Mg ha−1 application. At given matric potentials, biochar increased soil air-filled porosity by up to 25%. However, there was no difference in gas diffusivities between biochar-amended soil and the reference soil. At pF 3.0, the soil pore system became more tortuous after biochar application, with a trend that pore tortuosity increased with increasing biochar rate. Overall, addition of a wood-based biochar to a sandy loam soil resulted in a soil structure with broader pore size distribution and higher tortuosity of the interaggregate pore network. Similar studies with other types of biochars and soils are recommended toward better understanding of biochar effects on soil functions and services.

Effects Of Anthropogenic Particles On The Chemical And Geophysical Properties Of Urban Soils, Detroit, Michigan

Abstract: A study was undertaken to assess the effects of anthropogenic particles on the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and magnetic susceptibility (MS) of anthropogenic soils in Detroit, Michigan. The results showed that ^Au horizons of anthropogenic soils at residential demolition, industrial, and fly ash–impacted sites were distinguishable from A horizons of native soils (background level). Anthropogenic soils were higher by 1 pH unit or more, had an EC three to four times background level, and were characterized by an elevated MS that was up to 20 times background. Anthropogenic soils at residential demolition sites had a uniquely high EC signature, whereas those at industrial sites were distinguished by anomalously high MS. Fly ash–impacted soils differed from native soils but were similar to other anthropogenic soils. Analyses of reference artifacts suggest that the elevated pH of anthropogenic soils was caused by calcareous building material wastes, whereas elevated EC were the result of both calcareous and ferruginous wastes. Elevated MS were attributable to ferrimagnetic materials such as corroded iron nails, coal ash and cinders, and metalliferous slag. Analyses of “artificial soils” indicated that there were measurable effects on pH, EC, and MS even with low concentrations of anthropogenic microparticles (<5–10 wt %). These results support our hypothesis that urban soils contain anthropogenic particles that differ as a function of former land use. Hence, various types of anthropogenic soils and native soils have unique chemical and geophysical signatures. This suggests that EC and MS surveying methods may be used to remotely sense and map urban soils more effectively than using traditional methods alone.

Mineralogy and chemical composition of technogenic soils (Technosols) developed from fly ash and bottom ash from selected thermal power stations in Poland

Abstract: Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the mineral and chemical composition of technogenic soils (Technosols) developed from fly ash and bottom ash from power plants in which bituminous coal and lignite was combusted. The mineral composition of the “fresh” wastes (i.e. fly ash and bottom ash) and soil samples derived from them was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical composition (content of major elements) was determined using ICP-AES method. Quartz, mullite, and amorphous substances (glass) predominated in the mineral composition of wastes after bituminous coal combustion. Magnetite was also found there. Soils developed from wastes after bituminous coal combustion contained all above mentioned minerals inherited from fly ash and bottom ash. Moreover, small amounts of secondary calcite were identified. In some soil horizons containing large amounts of inherited magnetite, secondary iron oxides and oxyhydroxides (goethite and lepidocrocite) also occurred. Quartz predominated in the mineral composition of the “fresh” wastes after lignite combustion. Relatively small amounts of iron oxides (magnetite and hematite) were also found there. In “fresh” fly ash, apart from minerals mentioned above, anhydrite and calcium oxide (lime) was identified. Soils developed from wastes after lignite combustion contained inherited quartz, magnetite, and hematite. Furthermore, calcite which sometimes was a predominating mineral in certain soil horizons occurred. Moreover, sulphates (gypsum, bassanite, and ettringite), and vaterite (a polymorph of Ca carbonate) were also found in soils. Silicon predominated among major elements in “fresh” ashes after bituminous coal combustion and soil derived from them followed by Al, Fe, K, Ca, Mg, Ti, Na, P, and Mn. On the other hand, the contents of major elements in the samples (ashes and soils) after lignite combustion can be arranged as follows: Si, Ca, Fe, Al, Mg, Ti, K, Mn, Na, and P. However, in some horizons (i.e. in calcareous materials deposited in the topsoil of some profiles) in soil developed on landfills near TPSs combusting lignite, Ca was a predominating element.

Influence of Temperature and pH on Antimonate Adsorption by Gibbsite, Goethite, and Kaolinite

Abstract: Abstract Antimony is one of the least abundant elements in natural environments. However, elevated environmental concentrations of Sb may arise from anthropogenic sources. The element has no known biological function, has high acute toxicity, and is known to induce chronic health effects. In the environment, Sb is commonly found in the anionic Sb(V) (antimonate) form where the mechanism of retention in soil and sediment is adsorption, via outer-sphere or inner-sphere complexation by variable-charge mineral surfaces. The type of adsorption mechanism dictates Sb environmental mobility and bioaccessibility. The objectives of this study were to characterize the adsorption of Sb(V) by the common soil minerals: gibbsite, kaolinite, and goethite as a function pH, Sb(V) concentration, and temperature. The results are interpreted to provide information on the general mechanism of Sb(V) retention, adsorption intensity, and capacity. Antimonate adsorption by all 3 minerals decreases with increasing pH. The adsorption isotherms are described by the Freundlich and the one- or 2-site Langmuir models. The adsorption of Sb(V) by aluminol (≡AlOH) groups on gibbsite and kaolinite is divided into high intensity–low capacity and low intensity–high capacity components. In pH 5.5 systems, both endothermic (inner-sphere) and exothermic (outer-sphere) adsorption is observed. In pH 8 systems, only exothermic adsorption is observed. Antimony adsorption by goethite ≡ FeOH groups is high intensity and endothermic in both pH 5.5 and 8 conditions. The interpretations of the adsorption isotherm data are consistent with surface spectroscopy and surface complexation modeling results.

Prediction of Soil Properties at Farm Scale Using a Model-Based Soil Sampling Scheme and Random Forest

Abstract: Abstract Digital soil mapping techniques can reduce the costs associated with improving soil information at the farm scale. Many techniques exist for generating a digital soil mapping. In this study, we tested the use of a random forest (RF) and two model-based soil-sampling scheme, conditioned with Latin hypercube (cLHS) and fuzzy c-means sampling (FCMS) to predict soil properties for a 68-ha agricultural field. The predictor set included the use of inexpensive auxiliary information such as digital elevation models, yield maps, surface reflectance, and apparent soil electrical conductivity measurements. Our results support the underlying assumption that both cLHS and FCMS capture adequately the full predictor distribution in the Pampas conditions. Despite the complex local variation of soils and the instability of normalized difference vegetation index and yield maps, the RF models predicted soil properties at farm scale. The RF model with cLHS and FCMS explained about 65% (R2 = 0.648) and 57% (R2 = 0.571) of the variability of soil organic matter and about 71% (R2 = 0.714) and 68% (R2 = 0.686) of the variability of clay, respectively. Our results provide a significant improvement of information related to soil organic matter and clay content with respect to the soil survey available. Extrapolation and applicability of this study to other areas remain to be tested.

Lithological discontinuity in Glossic Planosols (Albeluvisols) of Lower Silesia (SW Poland)

Abstract: Abstract The paper focuses on Glossic Planosols (formerly Albeluvisols) with sandy topsoil widely represented in the northeastern part of Lower Silesia (SW Poland), in the range of tills from the Odra and Warta glaciations (Riss glaciation). The aim of the study was to characterize the texture of these soils in the context of the origin of parent materials and present-day pedogenic processes. Both the sedimentological and granulometric indexes, unbalances clay (and silt) fraction, and ventifact pavement at the contact of underlying loam and topsoil sandy layer confirm, that the textural differentiation of the topsoil and subsoil horizons has not resulted from the pedogenic processes, but primarily from the lithological discontinuity of glacial and post-glacial parent materials. Particle-size distribution and granulometric indexes of albeluvic tongues in the glossic horizon also confirm that the tongues has not been formed by eluviation of the fine fractions from the loamy material, but primarily by filling the initial thin crack with the sandy material. The coarser-textured tongues foster a deep infiltration and stagnation of water, and the development of reductic conditions allows further widening and deepening of the albeluvic tongues.

Organic Urban Agriculture

Abstract: Abstract Urban agriculture (UA) has a long tradition in many countries worldwide, is actively engaging about 800 million people, and is now increasingly considered by urban planning and land-use personnel. Urban cropland, in particular, covers more than 67 Mha or more than 5% of the total global cropland area. Urban agriculture practices have many benefits and, in particular, may contribute to food security of urban dwellers by providing vegetables and fruits. However, growing food in urban ecosystems and, especially, on degraded urban soils is challenging, and research on UA in the past has focused on the social sciences. Although the number of studies on urban soils has increased strongly during the last two decades, much work needs to be done as many urban areas have been neglected in previous studies. The needs and benefits of UA and organic agriculture such as building up natural resources through biological mechanism and recycling of wastes, keeping the nutrients cycle within the system, strengthening communities, and improving human capacity are interconnected. Thus, more research is needed on how to maintain or enhance urban soil fertility by soil and land-use management practices. This knowledge must be disseminated among urban gardeners and farmers for improving UA and organic UA systems. Transdisciplinary approaches involving practitioners, urban dwellers, planners, policy makers, and, especially, soil scientists are needed to enhance UA production.

Rare Earth Elements in Two Luvisols Developed From Loess Under Arable and Forest Land Use in Bavaria, Germany: Concentrations, Stocks, and Potential Mobilities

Abstract: Rare earth elements (REE) are of increasing interest in many industrial key technologies and in animal/plant production. Their environmental impacts cannot be forecasted because of knowledge gaps concerning the presence and the mobility of REE in soils and critical concentrations with respect to health effects on humans and other biota. In this study, the soil's chemical and physical characteristics were compared to REE concentrations and REE mobilities, as determined by ammonium nitrate/aqua regia ratio, in Luvisols developed from loess under arable and forest land according to genetic horizons in complete soil profiles in Germany. Single REE concentrations varied from 0.17 mg kg(-1) (Lu) to 77.3 mg kg(-1) (Ce). We detected the highest REE concentrations in illuvial B-horizons and found a significant correlation between REE and clay content/Fe-Mn oxides. This is probably because REE adsorb onto clay minerals and Fe-Mn oxides (found as coatings on clay minerals) and migrate with the colloids. Aqua regia-extractable REE concentrations ranged from 166 to 211 mg kg(-1) in the soil profile under forest land and from 176 to 230 mg kg(-1) under arable land. Stocks of REE in the top 100 cm are significantly higher under arable land use (277 g m(-2)) than under forest land use (252 g m(-2)), which might be caused by phosphorous fertilization and a significantly higher bulk density of the arable topsoil. The higher pH of the arable land leads to a lower potential mobility of REE in comparison with the soil under forest land.

Plant productivity, ectomycorrhizae, and metal contamination in urban brownfield soils.

Abstract: Abstract The soil contamination legacy of postindustrial sites has become an issue of increasing ecological and public health concern. This study examines the ectomycorrhizal and above-ground plant relationships in the metaliferous soil of an urban brownfield. Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) were microscopically identified by physical morphotyping followed by sequencing of ribosomal DNA. Plant productivity was assessed through Leaf Area Index (LAI) measurements taken from May through July 2012 and 2013. Results indicate that there were significant changes in EMF community composition and plant productivity based on their position along a total soil metal load gradient. Cenococcum geophilum was the dominant species in the soils where total soil metal load was below previously established threshold values, and Russula species were the dominant genera in soils where the total soil metal load was above the threshold value. Higher LAI values are seen in environments with higher soil metal levels. However, higher LAI could be due to multiple factors such as increased moisture and the dominance of metal-tolerant tree species. This study suggests that soil metal contamination affects plant productivity and EMF community composition and supports the idea that EMF species have varying levels of tolerance for metals.

Effects of soil compaction and organic carbon content on preferential flow in loamy field soils

Abstract: Preferential flow and transport through macropores affect plant water use efficiency and enhance leaching of agrochemicals and the transport of colloids, thereby increasing the risk for contamination of groundwater resources. The effects of soil compaction, expressed in terms of bulk density (BD), and organic carbon (OC) content on preferential flow and transport were investigated using 150 undisturbed soil cores sampled from 15 × 15–m grids on two field sites. Both fields had loamy textures, but one site had significantly higher OC content. Leaching experiments were conducted in each core by applying a constant irrigation rate of 10 mm h with a pulse application of tritium tracer. Five percent tritium mass arrival times and apparent dispersivities were derived from each of the tracer breakthrough curves and correlated with texture, OC content, and BD to assess the spatial distribution of preferential flow and transport across the investigated fields.Soils from both fields showed strong positive correlations between BD and preferential flow. Interestingly, the relationships between BD and tracer transport characteristics were markedly different for the two fields, although the relationship between BD and macroporosity was nearly identical. The difference was likely caused by the higher contents of fines and OC at one of the fields leading to stronger aggregation, smaller matrix permeability, and a more pronounced pipe-like pore system with well-aligned macropores.

Genesis and classification of the soils developed from the sediments of the former Oleszek mill pond basin (the Chełmińskie Lakeland, N Poland) / Geneza i pozycja systematyczna gleb wykształconych z osadów niecki dawnego stawu młyńskiego Oleszek (Pojezierze Chełmińskie)

Abstract: Abstract Construction and operation of water mills had influenced the transformation of the relief and water conditions, as well as the soil cover around them. The study area includes the former Oleszek mill pond basin, located near the Borówno village, western part of the Chełmińskie Lakeland, about 20 km northeast of Toruń. The objective of the study was to determine the genesis of the soils developed from the Oleszek mill pond basin sediments. Five soil profiles were selected in the basin of the former mill pond, within the 550 m transect located along the Struga Rychnowska river. All of the analysed soils developed from the sediments filling the former mill pond basin. They have been developed as a result of a number of overlapping processes such as mud-forming, alluvial, colluvial and gleyic process. According to the Polish classification system (Classification of Polish Soils 2011) (CPS) two of the soils (profiles 3 and 4) derived from organo-mineral and organic materials are typical organic limnic soils. Systematic position of another two soils (2 and 5) was proposed as muddy soils. Due to the problems of classification of such soils, implementation of the muddy soils or muddy-gleyic soils subtypes (in Polish: gleby mułowate lub mułowato-glejowe) should be considered during developing of the next update of Classification of Polish Soils. These four profiles were classified as Histosols (profiles 3 and 4) and Gleysols (profiles 2 and 5) in WRB (2014). Pedons developed from alluvial materials (alluvial soils in CPS 2011 or Fluvic Phaeozems in WRB 2014) occurred in the proximal part of the basin. Streszczenie Budowa i funkcjonowanie młynów wodnych znacznie wpłynęły na przekształcenie środowiska przyrodniczego w ich otoczeniu, przede wszystkim na zmiany rzeźby terenu i warunków wodnych. Obszar badañ obejmuje nieckę dawnego stawu młyńskiego Oleszek w okolicach wsi Borówno, w zachodniej części Pojezierza Chełmińskiego, około 20 km na północny wschód od Torunia. Celem badañ było określenie genezy gleb wykształconych z osadów zakumulowanych w niecce dawnego stawu młyńskiego Oleszek. Pięć profili glebowych w transekcie o długości około 550 m zlokalizowanym wzdłuż Strugi Rychnowskiej stanowiącej oś podłużną niecki. Wszystkie przeanalizowane gleby zbudowane są z osadów wypełniających nieckę dawnego stawu młyńskiego. Gleby w opisywanej niecce powstały w wyniku wielu nakładających się procesów, takich jak: proces mułotwórczy, aluwialny, koluwialny oraz glejowy. Dwa z analizowanych profili glebowych (profile 3 i 4) spełniaj¹ kryteria wydzielania gleb organicznych limnowych typowych (Systematyka gleb Polski 2011). Jako pozycję systematyczną kolejnych dwóch gleb (profile 2 i 5) zaproponowano gleby mułowate. W związku z problemami klasyfikacyjnymi dotyczącymi tego typu gleb, przy opracowaniu aktualizacji Systematyki gleb Polski należałoby wprowadzić w typie gleb glejowych podtyp gleb mułowatych lub mułowato-glejowych, obejmuj¹cy gleby wytworzone z mineralno-organicznych utworów aluwialno-mułowych. Cztery wymienione powyżej profile zostały zaklasyfikowane jako Histosols (3 i 4) i Gleysols (2 i 5) według klasyfikacji WRB (2014). Jednostki glebowe wykształcone z osadów aluwialnych (mady wg SgP 2011 lub Fluvic Phaeozems wg WRB 2014) występują w proksymalnej części stawu (cofce).

Human-induced changes in the soil cover at the mouth of the Vistula River Cross-Cut (northern Poland).

Abstract: Abstract The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of human activity on the soil formation at the mouth of the Vistula Cross-Cut (northern Poland). The detailed research was conducted in the test area (about 500 ha) for which the soil map was created. The three major soil belts were distinguished, grouping the soils formed on marine, aeolian and technogenic sediments, deposited both naturally and anthropogenically as a result of the hydrotechnical works. Initial soils, arenosols, gleysols, brackish marsh soils and industrial soils predominate across the study area. Most of them were characterized by high spatial diversity and multi-layering. Their properties reflected varied dynamics of the local environment on both sides of the river channel, greatly enhanced by the human activity. Based of the obtained results, some proposals concerning arenosols, marsh soils and industrial soils for the Polish Soil Classification (2011) were presented.

An attempt of using soil grain size in calculating the capacity of water unavailable to plants / Próba wykorzystania uziarnienia gleby do obliczania zawartości wody niedostępnej dla roślin

Abstract: Abstract The aim of this research was to finding methods of calculating the content of water unavailable to plants in the total soil mass based on the water properties of particular grain sizes. Fractions <0.02 mm bind from 90.1 to 98.8% of total water unavailable to plants in soils, and the clay fraction (<0.002 mm) alone binds from 52.1 to 80.1% of this water. Binding water in fractions <0.02 mm significantly depends on the mineralogical composition of fractions. The presence of illite, chlorite or kaolinite causes a decrease of capacity of water unavailable to plants by even 40% in relation to fractions composed of smectites, vermiculites, and humus. Due to high variability of the capacity of water unavailable to plants in particular grain size fractions <0.02 mm resulting from the variable mineralogical composition of this fraction, coefficients allowing to calculate the capacity of water unavailable to plants in soil microcapillaries below 0.2 μm show very high oscillation and could not be applicable. Streszczenie Celem pracy była próba znalezienia możliwości obliczenia ilości wody niedostępnej dla roślin na podstawie uziarnienia gleb. Frakcje o średnicach <0,02 mm gromadzą od 90,1 do 98,8% całkowitej ilości wody niedostępnej dla roślin, a frakcja iłu koloidalnego (<0,002 mm) zatrzymuje od 52,1 do 80,1% tej wody. Gromadzenie wody we frakcjach <0,02 mm znacząco zależy od ich składu mineralogicznego. Obecność we frakcjach illitu, chlorytu oraz kaolinitu powoduje zmniejszenie ilości wody niedostępnej nawet o 40% w stosunku do frakcji zbudowanych ze smektytów, wermikulitów oraz próchnicy. Ze względu na duże zróżnicowanie ilości wody niedostępnej dla roślin w poszczególnych frakcjach granulometrycznych <0,02 mm wynikaj¹ce ze zróżnicowania mineralogicznego tych frakcji nie udało się wyprowadzić współczynników pozwalających na obliczenie ilościowe w glebach wody niedostępnej dla roślin wiązanej w mikroporach <0,2 μm.

Bioturbation-Driven Particle Transport in Surface Soil: The Biodiffusion Coefficient Mobility Parameter

Abstract: Macrofauna-induced bioturbation of soil is dominated by earthworms, among other invertebrates, in most grassland and forest soil. First observed by Darwin, bioturbation drives particle mixing in the upper surface layers, leading to beneficial results to agricultural soils, including enhanced porosity, water permeability, and aeration and improved organic matter and nutrient distributions. Applied pesticides and other chemicals residing on surface soils are transported downward into the soil column by a random mixing of particles. This physical particle diffusion, which conceptually mimics the random mixing of molecular species in fluids, is treated as a Fickian chemical flux mechanism. Using this mechanism, for the mobility rate, while extending the soil-water advection-dispersion model to particles, yields a theoretical approach for obtaining the biodiffusion coefficient (Db). The Db is a numerical soil parameter reflecting biology-induced particle movement and differs significantly from the conventional physical and chemical diffusion coefficients. It is a kinetic parameter with units of square centimeters per year and when used with the bulk density gradient quantifies the soil particle mobility rate within the bioturbated surface layer. Field measurements on soil turnover rates and mixing depth from the literature, including Darwin’s work, were used to produce Db data sets for earthworms, ants, termites, and so on. The highly variable coefficients necessitate lognormal statistics to summarize the findings. However, the average Db values for the three invertebrates were 2.12, 0.39, and 0.75 cm year, respectively, and surprisingly similar. The need for more field and laboratory data, process-based and species-specific theoretical models, and chemical-based soil Db are discussed.

Physical and chemical properties of selected soils from the surroundings of the Magura National Park (southern Poland) / Właściwości fizykochemiczne i chemiczne wybranych gleb z otoczenia Magurskiego Parku Narodowego

Abstract: Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the basic physicochemical and chemical properties of six soil profiles located in the surrounding of the Magura National Park (S Poland). The type of agricultural use and terrain relief were the main criteria for choosing the soil profiles. The research identified the following types or sub-types of soils: Eutric Gleysols, Dystric Cambisols, Eutric Cambisols, Gleyic Luvisols. The analyzed soils were characterized by particle size distribution of a silty clay or silt. They were usually strongly acidified as evidenced by low pH (in 1M KCl, values ranged from 3.8 to 5.8), high values of hydrolytic acidity (from 0.8 up to 10 cmol(+)·kg-1) and exchangeable acidity (from 0.05 to 4.05 cmol(+)·kg-1), as well as remarkable concentration of exchangeable aluminum (from 0 to 3.96 cmol(+)·kg-1). The organic carbon content in studied profiles did not exceed (except from gley soil in profile ) 30 g·kg-1 and it decreased along with the depth to several g·kg-1 in parent rock. These soils were characterized by not very high content of total nitrogen (from 0.3 to 9.39 g·kg-1) and low available phosphorus concentration (from 3.5 to 90.3 mg P2O5·kg-1). Contents of available potassium (from 82 to 570 mg K2O·kg-1) and magnesium (from 33 to 412 mg Mg·kg-1) allow for classifying the profiles studied as soils moderately or highly abundant in K and Mg. The highest levels of biogenic elements were determined in surface horizons. Studied soils were characterized by high total sorption capacity (T) - from 7.04 to 63.4 cmol(+)·kg-1. Sum of base cations (S) reached values from 3.01 to 61.2 cmol(+)·kg-1, which resulted in high base saturation (V) (maximum over 96%). The base saturations in profiles of the soils increased along with depth. Streszczenie Celem pracy było określenie podstawowych właściwości fizykochemicznych i chemicznych sześciu profili glebowych zlokalizowanych w otoczeniu Magurskiego Parku Narodowego. Przy wyborze miejsc odkrywek kierowano się rodzajem użytkowania rolniczego oraz rzeźbą terenu. W wyniku badañ zgodnie z SGP5 zidentyfikowano następujące typy lub podtypy gleb: glejowa typowa GWt (Eutric Gleysols), brunatna dystroficzna typowa BDt (Dystric Cambisols), brunatna eutroficzna wyługowana BEwy (Eutric Cambisols), gleba antropogeniczna, kulturoziemna regulówkowa AKre (Eutric Cambisols Aric) oraz gleba płowa próchniczna PWpr (Gleyic Luvisols). Analizowane gleby charakteryzowały się uziarnieniem glin pylastych lub utworów pyłowych. Były zazwyczaj silnie zakwaszone, o czym świadczyło niskie pH (w 1M KCl wartości zawierały się w przedziale od 3,8 do 5,8), wysokie wartości kwasowości hydrolitycznej (od 0,8 do 10,0 cmol(+)·kg-1) i wymiennej (od 0,05 do 4,05 cmol(+)·kg-1) oraz znacząca zawartość glinu wymiennego (od 0 do 3,96 cmol(+)·kg-1). Zawartość węgla organicznego w badanych profilach nie przekraczała (za wyjątkiem profilu 1) 30 g·kg-1 i wraz z głębokością malała do kilku g·kg-1 w poziomach skały macierzystej. Gleby te cechowały się niezbyt wysoką zawartością azotu całkowitego (od 0,30 do 9,39 g·kg-1) oraz niską zawartością fosforu przyswajalnego (od 3,5 do 90,3 mg P2O5·kg-1). Natomiast zawartość przyswajalnego potasu (od 82 do 570 mg K2O·kg-1) oraz magnezu (od 33 do 412 mg Mg·kg-1) pozwalała zakwalifikować badane gleby do kategorii średnio bądź wysoko zasobnych. Najwyższe wartości pierwiastków biogennych wykrywano w poziomach powierzchniowych. Badane gleby charakteryzowały się wysoką, całkowitą pojemnością sorpcyjną (T) - od 7,0 do 63,4 cmol(+)·kg-1. Suma kationów o charakterze zasadowym (S) przyjmowała wartości od 3,0 do 61,2 cmol(+)·kg-1, co skutkowało wysokim wysyceniem kompleksu sorpcyjnego zasadami (V) (maksymalnie ponad 96%). Wysycenie kompleksu sorpcyjnego gleby kationami zasadowymi w profilach gleb wzrastało wraz z głębokością.

Clay-illuvial soils in the Polish and international soil classifications

Abstract: Soil with a clay-illuvial subsurface horizon are the most widespread soil type in Poland and significantly differ in morphology and properties developed under variable environmental conditions. Despite the long history of investigations, the rules of classification and cartography of clay-illuvial soils have been permanently discussed and modified. The distinction of clay-illuvial soils into three soil types, introduced to the Polish soil classification in 2011, has been criticized as excessively extended, non-coherent with the other parts and rules of the classification, hard to introduce in soil cartography and poorly correlated with the international soil classifications. One type of clay-illuvial soils (“gleby plowe”) was justified and recommended to reintroduce in soil classification in Poland, as well as 10 soil subtypes listed in a hierarchical order. The subtypes may be combined if the soil has diagnostic features of more than one soil subtypes. Clear rules of soil name generalization (reduction of subtype number for one soil) were suggested for soil cartography on various scales. One of the most important among the distinguished soil sub-types are the “eroded” or “truncated” clay-illuvial soils.

Profilowe zróżnicowanie form żelaza i glinu w glebach pod świerczyn górnoreglową Plagiothecio-Piccetum tatricum w Gorcach jako wskaźnik aktualnych procesów glebotwórczych / Distribution of Iron and Aluminum Forms as an Indicator of Present-Day Soil-Forming Processes in Soil Profiles under Wooded Spruce Plagiothecio-Piccetum Tatricum in the Gorce Mts. (Southern Poland)

Abstract: Abstract The aim of the study was to determine soil-forming processes in soils formed from the Magura sandstones (Carpathian flysch) under wooded spruce Plagiothecio-Piccetum tatricum in the Gorce Mts., southern Poland. The research focused on distribution of non-silicate forms of iron and aluminum in soil profiles. The content of pyrophosphate, oxalate, and dithionite phases of iron and aluminum in the genetic horizons of four soil profiles was measured and selected pedogenic factors were calculated. Based on the obtained results podzolization and brunification are dominant soil-forming processes in the studied soils. The brunification effect was more common in the soils under the large share of Athyrium distentifolium, whereas podzolization predominates in the soils where Vaccinium myrtillus prevails in forest floor. Studied soils were classified as Dystric Endoskeletic Cambisol (Loamic, Humic), Dystric Cambisol (Siltic, Humic) and Skeletic Folic Albic Podzol (Arenic).

Enzymatic Activity and Enchytraeids Abundance in Agricultural Mountain Soils / Aktywność enzymatyczna i liczebność wazonkowców w glebach górskich użytkowanych rolniczo

Abstract: Abstract The number of soil mesofauna and enzymatic activity of soils are good indicators of changes in soil influenced by cultivation. The aim of this study was to compare density of enchytraeids and the activity of dehydrogenases (ADh), urease (AU), and invertase (AI) in the soils of grassland and arable land. Relationships that exist between those biological parameters and the basic soil properties (the content of total organic carbon (TOC) and nitrogen (TN), pH, texture, and total porosity) were defined. In the research, soil material from humus horizon of 12 soils which were located in the Mały Beskid and Silesian Foothills (S Poland) was used. The main density of enchytraeids in grassland soils (12 982 ind⋅m-2) was twice higher than in arable land soils (6099 ind⋅m-2), and the differences were statistically significant. Grassland soils were characterised by higher enzymatic activity than arable land soils. However, only ADh, which were almost three times higher in grassland than in arable soils (2024 and 742 μmol TPFkg-1h-1, respectively), showed significant differences. In grassland soils more favourable edaphic conditions for the development of soil organisms occurred in comparison with arable land.

Research Note: Establishing a Common Method to Compare Soil Systems Designed for Both Tree Growth and Pavement Support

Abstract: Establishing and managing trees under urban conditions provide a lesson in opposing needs within limited spaces. In the same soil volume, there are competing requirements for pavement support versus biological carrying capacity. Media to support both pavements and tree growth have been used for decades. However, with several media designs being advanced and discussed, there is limited research testing to inform mix design when new component sources are considered, or when comparing different components and mixtures. Designed media need to perform an engineering function immediately, but trees require time for growth to reach the designed service size. Therefore, there is a need to understand fundamental trends prior to waiting decades for tree performance evaluation. A common evaluation rubric needs to be developed in order to compare successful and unsuccessful systems and to better target mix designs of locally available materials. The media discussed in this article is a group that establishes an aggregate skeletal matrix for load bearing with an added horticultural component for tree root growth within the matrix.To understand both matrix development for load bearing and the critical soil component for tree biotic capacity, one convenient media evaluation method would be a voids analysis based on a four-component system of air, water, soil, and aggregate. A further adaptation from a similar method to define the critical amount of bitumen in asphalt concrete design seems contextually appropriate. This approach would use a voids analysis on a four-component system, akin to historic Marshall Testing Protocols. The term “percentage of apparent voids filled” is used as one component in a voids analysis approach. An initial voids analysis output series is suggested using peak compacted density, California bearing ratio, hydraulic conductivity, plant-available moisture/percent air voids at field capacity, percent voids in compacted mineral matrix, and percentage of apparent voids filled as measured across increasing soil-stone ratios within defined aggregate and soil pairings. Using archived data from a series of past experiments, a voids analysis example is used to illustrate a common format to reconcile the varied soil design systems into a common matrix for better comparison, understanding, and refinement.

Soil salinity effects on phenological traits, plant height and seed yield in rapeseed genotypes

Abstract: Abstract Among the various abiotic stresses limiting the crop production, salinity stress is the most important problem, which needs to be addressed and answered straight away. A pot experiment was carried out with rapeseed breeding lines in order to study the effects of salinity stress on phenological traits, plant height and seed yield of rapeseed. A factorial experiment was applied for evaluating the eight rapeseed genotypes under three salinity levels including 0, 6 and 12 dS m-1 taking NaCl:CaCl2 in the ratio of 1:1, which were equal to 42.8 mM and 85.7 mM, respectively. The results of analysis of the variance revealed significant variations among different salinity levels, genotypes and interaction effects of salinity levels × genotypes for days to flowering, days to end of flowering, days to maturity, plant height and seed yield. Due to increasing salinity levels, days to flowering, days to end of flowering and days to maturity were shortened. Although with increasing salinity levels plant height and seed yield of the genotypes were decreased but the ranks of genotypes were different in 0, 6 and 12 dS m-1 salinity levels. The genotypes had significant genetic differences for the traits and the increments of differences also were decreased due to increasing salinity levels. The genotypes had high amount of genetic coefficient variation for days to flowering and seed yield, therefore the efficiency of selection of these two traits will be high. The genotypes including KRN1, LRT1 and Hyola401 with high amounts of seed yield in all salinity levels were considered as tolerant genotypes.

Contents of selected macroelements in soils, potatoes and fodder beets at variable soil reaction / Zawartość wybranych makroelementów w glebach oraz w ziemniakach i burakach pastewnych przy zmiennym odczynie gleby

Abstract: Abstract The aim of the research was to determine the concentration of selected macroelements in soil and in root crops (potatoes and fodder beets) at a variable soil reaction. The changes in pH values in the studied soils influenced the content of these elements in soluble forms determined in 0.1 mol HCl·dm-3. A statistical analysis showed a positive relationship between the soil pH value and the calcium and magnesium contents in a form close to the total form, as well as the content of soluble forms of phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. The content of the studied macroelements, i.e. phosphorus, calcium, magnesium in the cultivated fodder beets and potatoes depended on abundance and form in which the studied elements occurred in soil, and also on specie and analyzed part of the plant. Along with the increase in pH values of the an increase in the phosphorus content and reduction of the magnesium content in the roots and above-ground parts of the beets were found. The calcium content in the roots increased along with an increase in pH of the soils, whereas direction of changes in the content of this element in the petioles and laminae of the beets was not unambiguous. A slight decrease in the content of the studied elements in the potato tubers (along with the increase in pH of the soils) was found. Streszczenie Celem przeprowadzonych badañ było określenie koncentracji wybranych makroelementów w glebie i w roślinach okopowych (ziemniakach i burakach pastewnych) przy zmiennym odczynie gleby. Zmiany wartości pH w badanych glebach decydowały o zawartości tych pierwiastków w formach rozpuszczalnych oznaczanych w HCl o stężeniu 0,1 mol·dm-3. Analiza statystyczna wykazała dodatnią zależność pomiędzy wartością pH gleb a zawartością wapnia i magnezu w formie zbliżonej do ogólnej oraz zawartością rozpuszczalnych form fosforu, wapnia i magnezu. Zawartość badanych makroelementów, tj. fosforu, wapnia, magnezu w uprawianych burakach pastewnych oraz ziemniakach zależała od zasobności i form, w jakiej badane pierwiastki występują w glebie, a także od gatunku oraz analizowanej części rośliny. Wraz ze wzrostem wartości pH gleb stwierdzano zwiększenie zawartości fosforu i zmniejszenie zawartości magnezu w korzeniach i częściach nadziemnych buraków. Zawartość wapnia w korzeniach uległa zwiększeniu wraz ze wzrostem wartości pH gleb, natomiast kierunek zmian zawartości tego pierwiastka w ogonkach i blaszkach liściowych buraków nie był jednoznaczny. W bulwach ziemniaków stwierdzono nieznaczne obniżenie się zawartości badanych pierwiastków wraz ze wzrostem wartości pH gleb.

Physical and water properties of selected Polish heavy soils of various origins

Abstract: The paper presents the characteristics of selected physical, chemical, and water properties of four mineral arable soils characterized with heavy and very heavy texture. Soil samples from genetic horizons of black earths from areas near Ketrzyn, Gniew and Kujawy, and alluvial soils from Żulawy were used. The following properties were determined in the samples of undisturbed and disturbed structure: texture, particle density, bulk density, porosity, natural and hygroscopic moistures, maximal hygroscopic capacity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, potential of water bonding in soil, total and readily available water, total retention in the horizon of 0–50 cm, drainage porosity, content of organic carbon and total nitrogen Parent rocks of these soils were clays, silts and loams of various origin. High content of clay fraction strongly influenced the values of all the analyzed properties. All the examined soils had high content of organic carbon and total nitrogen and reaction close to neutral or alkaline. High content of mineral and organic colloids and, what follows, beneficial state of top horizons’ structure, determined – apart from heavy texture – low soil bulk density and high porosity. The investigated soils were characterized by high field water capacity and wide scopes of total and readily available water. The saturated hydraulic conductivity was low and characteristic to heavy mineral arable soils. The parameter which influenced the variability of analyzed parameters most was texture.

Selected physical and water properties of soils located in the vicinity of proposed opencast lignite mine “Drzewce” (middle Poland)

Abstract: Abstract The paper presents physical and water properties of six soils located in the areas directly adjacent to “Drzewce” lignite open cast mine (KWB Konin). The conducted works included preparation of pits of various soil types in points characteristic to large and representative soil allotments. The selected soil types represented mineral and organic soils. Samples of disturbed and undisturbed structure were taken from various genetic horizons for laboratory analysis. Such properties as content of total carbon, texture, specific density, bulk density, total and drainage porosity, moisture, saturated hydraulic conductivity, the potential of water bonding, total and readily available water, and total retention were determined in the samples from the horizons of 0–100 cm. The investigated soils showed mostly sandy texture with few local loam insertions. Texture and the content of organic matter were the most important parameters which influenced all analyzed properties. Morphology and the properties of the examined soils as well as deep level of soil – ground water were decisive factors when categorizing them as a precipitation-water type. Such soils will not undergo degradation caused by the dehydrating depression cone of open cast mine.

Explicit Approximate Analytical Solution of the Horizontal Diffusion Equation

Abstract: The solution of unsaturated flow is a never-ending quest for many scientists. Many methods exist with their corresponding advantages and disadvantages, such as semianalytic methods, finite difference and finite element methods, finite control volume method, and flux concentration method. This article produces an improved approximate analytical solution for nonlinear diffusion, in terms of the Boltzmann similarity variable, that has the advantages of being explicit, accurate, and relatively simple to evaluate. It is assumed that the diffusivity can be described with an exponential function, the profiles of soil water content are of finite extent, the concentration at the boundaries is constant, and the reduced flux of Philip (1973) is of the form of Vauclin and Haverkamp (1985). The proposed explicit approximate analytical solution has the Boltzmann transformation as the dependent variable and the soil water moisture as the independent variable. The solution is presented in normalized form as a function of normalized diffusivity and normalized soil moisture. It is tested with 12 soils and shows an excellent agreement with Philip’s method.