Nutrients and Trace Elements of Arable Soils Rich in Organic Matter

Abstract

The distribution and the status of macronutrients and trace elements in surface soil samples originated mainly from organic deposits of Philippoi (northern Greece) were investigated. These soils are classified as Histosols and belong to the suborder of Saprists (1). The pH of examined samples ranged from 5.1 to 7.8 and the total soil nitrogen (N tot ) varied from 4.0 to 21.8 g kg 21 . The total soil carbon (C tot ) ranged between 116.0 and 336.5 g kg 21 , whereas the organic carbon (C org ) was between 109.4 and 335.5 g kg 21 and the C:N ratio varied between 12.4 and 29.3. Calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) was not detected in all surface horizons, and the exchangeable calcium (Ca þþ ) ranged between 12.95 and 54.65 cmol kg 21 . This suggests the impact of aquatic organisms (which contain CaCO 3 ) on soil enrichment with calcium by means of weathering process. Micronutrients extracted by 4 M HNO 3 were in the following order iron (Fe) . manganese (Mn) . zinc (Zn) . copper (Cu). The distribution of trace elements extracted by DTPA varied considerably among the examined soil samples. The following range was found: Fe 97.5 -579 mg kg 21 , Mn 1.48-53.0 mg kg 21 , Cu 0.24 -10.4 mg kg 21 , and Zn 0.5-23.9 mg kg 21 . Total soil nitrogen was closely related to C org , whereas soil properties showed considerable variability. This may reveal the factors responsible for deposition process, degree of soil development; part of this distribution may be attributed to intensive farming activities. Symptoms of Fe deficiency have been observed, which may be ascribed mainly to the presence of CaCO 3 . Deficiency of Cu was also recorded in maize (Zea mays L.) cultivated in slightly alkaline soils. Geostatistics have been used for a quantitative depiction in maps of nutrient status and variability. A combination of measures, such as water management, tillage practices, application of proper rotation schemes, and recommendation of rational fertilization practices, is expected to maintain soil quality and enhance fertility.

Applications of stable water and carbon isotopes in watershed research: Weathering, carbon cycling, and water balances

“…This usually decreases the pH and produces CO 2 , while the release of organic acids further enhances the dissolution and hydrolysis of minerals by (Ochs et al, 1993;Welch and Ullman, 1993;Hinsinger, 1998). This, in turn, releases cations, such as Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , and Fe 3+ that are essential for plant growth (Warfvinge et al, 1993;Quideau et al, 1996;Dambrine et al, 1998;Reynolds et al, 2000;Williams et al, 2003;Moncoulon et al, 2004;Karyotis et al, 2005). As a consequence, climate, chemical weathering rates, nutrient levels, and vegetation communities are strongly interdependent variables.…”

The role of chemometrics in single and sequential extraction assays: A Review. Part II. Cluster analysis, multiple linear regression, mixture resolution, experimental design and other techniques

“…The aims of such studies were: i) the implementation of site-specific agricultural management practices in order to lower costs, increase crop yields and/or improve sustainable agricultural land use [39][40][41][42][43][44]; ii) the identification of the characteristics (e.g. parent material, slope gradient, land use, presence of vegetation, fertilizer input) most extensively affecting soil composition [45][46][47][48][49]; iii) the investigation of other phenomena, such as: the short term effects of wildfire [50]; the difference in spatial patterns before and after poultry litter application [51]; the relationship between spatial dependence in oak leaves and in soil, which can have important consequences for herbivores and nutrient cycling in the ecosystem [52]; the soil properties at a forest-prairie boundary and the effect of woody plant expansion on it [53]; the effect of soil composition on rice growth and nutrient content [42]; the sorption of P from waters in riparian wetlands [54]; the effect of pH variability on element fractionation [55].…”

Variation of Properties in Surface Soils from a Prior Lake‐Bed (Lake Askuris, Greece) Farmed for Over 90 Years

“…Increased contents of soil organic carbon were observed at low lying locations (Figure 2), where soil moisture is usually higher. Total nitrogen content was between 1.9 to 8.5 g kg 21 , much lower than the mean content observed in soils rich in organic matter (Karyotis et al, 2005). Statistical analysis shows total soil N correlates with C org and sulfur, indicating that these elements are mainly bound in the organic matter fraction of soils.…”