The Relationship between the Physicochemical Properties and Permeability of the Fluvisols and Eutric Cambisols in the Zagreb Aquifer, Croatia

Abstract

The physicochemical properties of soil and the unsaturated zone can have a large influence on the infiltration of precipitation into an aquifer. Soil permeability presents soil property that can be very variable. The main objectives of this study were to estimate differences in soil permeability in two dominant types of soils—Fluvisols and Eutric Cambisols—in the area of the Zagreb aquifer and determine the relationship between the physicochemical properties and the permeability of the analyzed soils. For this purpose, the particle size distribution, soil water retention curves (SWRCs), hydraulic parameters, and chemical properties of soils (i.e., electrical conductivity (EC), pH, carbonate content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and total concentration of zinc (Zn)) from six soil profiles were observed. In general, the results show that Fluvisols have a smaller amount of clay and a higher amount of sand. Furthermore, particle size distribution indicates that Eutric Cambisols have smaller permeability and a slightly higher capacity for retention. In Eutric Cambisols, the percentages of clay, silt, and sand generally do not change with depth. On average, Fluvisols and Eutric Cambisols become impermeable when they reach different values of water content and effective saturation. All results suggest that Fluvisols generally have to desaturate more than Eutric Cambisols to become impermeable. The proportions of sand and Ks increases through the depth of all analyzed soils, while CEC, EC, and Zn decrease. The total Zn generally decrease with depth, which can be attributed to the aerodeposition in the surface horizons of the analyzed soils and their higher availability for binding/sorption elements. Generally, it can be seen that most Zn concentrations increase until 80 cm in depth, after which they decrease. This result indicates that, in these specific locations, the groundwater body is not under the influence of a potentially toxic metal, in this case Zn. Statistical analysis shows a strong correlation between Zn concentrations and some soil properties, such as soil texture and CEC. This may point to the prevalence of Zn retention. Furthermore, statistical results show that silt has a higher influence on the permeability of Eutric Cambisols than Fluvisols.

Morphology and Physicochemical Properties of Alluvial Soils in Riparian Forests after River Regulation

“…This transformation may be recognized not only due to a color change, but also as a result of blurring of the micro-stratification of alluvial material, development of a sub-angular instead of angular structure, and subsurface accumulation of organic matter and base cations (as compared to parent material). Similar transformations towards the development of Bw horizons were recognized in most drained alluvial soils [7,10,13,48]. It seems that the formation of Bw horizons may be faster under favorable conditions in the more fertile fine-textured soils (loamy and silty textured), where the well-developed cambic horizons may be recognized over decades after river regulation and soil drainage [30].…”

“…Although many authors reported the transformation of drained alluvial soils towards the development of mollic or cambic horizons, which excluded these soils from Fluvisols group according to the statements of WRB classification, Fluvisols are still reported from regulated and drained valleys [10][11][12]32,54,55]. This may indicate that many authors still apply the term "Fluvisols" as a synonym of alluvial soils on the Holocene river terraces, irrespective of the actual stage of their pedogenic transformation.…”

“…One of the most important factors in the variability of valley and/or floodplain ecosystems are soils composed of spatially and vertically differentiated alluvial sediments [6][7][8]. Sedimentation conditions can significantly change over time; therefore, stratification is a basic feature of valley/floodplain soils, affecting their physicochemical and water properties, as well as the productivity of alluvial soils [9][10][11][12]. Moreover, the sequences of sediment layers and soil horizons in the soil profiles on floodplain terraces demonstrate the successions of stable periods with distinct pedogenesis and unstable (i.e., geomorphologically active) periods, in which fresh alluvial layers were accumulated [6,13].…”

“…The elimination of floods and lowering of the groundwater table allow deeper penetration of the soil by plant roots, soil fauna, and microorganisms, and these changes also create more favorable conditions for the agricultural use of soils [30][31][32]. The transformation of the morphology and properties of agriculturally used alluvial soils in Poland and Central Europe has already been extensively characterized [7,10,12,13,[33][34][35], whereas the studies in the forest areas have primarily focused on the phytosociological transformation of plant communities and changes in tree stand productivity, with the transformation of soils remaining insufficiently documented. Meanwhile, the proper recognition of the phenomena occurring in all components of the forest habitat is the basis for a wise, environmentally-oriented planning of the sustainable, long-term forest management.…”

Socio-Environmental Determinants and Human Health Exposures in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones of Iran—Narrative Review

“…Arid and semi-arid soils contain a high level of salinity as a result of the geological conditions and climatic factors, so the intrusion of saline bodies of water into the coastal aquifers leads to salinity aquifer and groundwater sources. 81 Salinity is the most dissatisfaction of water consumer. However, in arid and semi-arid provinces of Iran hardness is an important problematic issue Kalankesh et al 82 .…”