Spatial mapping of soil chemical properties using multivariate geostatistics. A study from cropland in eastern Croatia

Abstract

The spatial variability of soil chemical properties is affected by factors of soil formation and human activities.Understanding their spatial variability will improve agricultural production, reduce environmental problems (e.g., soil pollution, offsite effects), and achieve sustainable agroecosystems. The main objective was to study the spatial variability of pH, soil organic matter, available phosphorus, and available potassium using univariate and multivariate methods in cropland fields in eastern Croatia. For the study, 169 (0-30 cm) soil samples were collected in a 911 ha study area. The results showed that soils had slightly acidic pH, adequate available phosphorus and potassium values for crop production, and low soil organic matter concentration. The variability was high in available phosphorus and low in pH. Soil pH, soil organic matter, available phosphorus, and potassium nugget/sill ratio was 0.00, 2.79, 18.68, and 22.08, respectively.Auxiliary variables increased the accuracy of the predictions. Soil organic matter levels were below the recommendable, and this is very likely an anthropogenic effect, even though the intrinsic process influences soil organic matter. The heterogeneous distribution of phosphorus and potassium highlighted the necessity of fertilization in some areas. For the sustainability of agroecosystems, adaptable site-specific soil management strategies need to be implemented.

Effect of Normalization Methods on Accuracy of Estimating Low- and High-Molecular Weight PAHs Distribution in the Soils of a Coking Plant

“…Box-Cox transformation is one of the widely used normalization methods [ 22 , 23 ], and the formulation is given by (1): where y is the value of transformation, x is the value to be transformed, and λ is based on the transformed values ( y 1 , y 2 , …, y n ) with an assumption of normal distribution. When λ = 0, the transformation is a logarithmic transformation.…”

The Effect of Soil Sampling Density and Spatial Autocorrelation on Interpolation Accuracy of Chemical Soil Properties in Arable Cropland

“…The reliable spatial representation of P 2 O 5 and K 2 O, as the macro-nutrients in the soil, are traditionally important in sustainable agriculture, which is further intensified by the emergence of the concept of precise fertilization [6]. Monitoring the dynamics of P 2 O 5 and K 2 O at the micro-level enables quality management of agricultural land and environmental protection, enabling the optimal application of mineral fertilizer [23,24]. At the macro-level, it enables monitoring and remediation of soil degradation [25].…”

Spatial variability of soil properties and its effect on meadow productivity

“…For example, it can be agrochemical cartograms. Such cartograms give an idea of the availability of soils with various nutrients [8][9][10]. Yield cartograms are also useful.…”