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THE DISTRIBUTION OF SOME MICROELEMENTS IN THE SOIL - FRUITS SYSTEM IN A NON POLLUTED AREA

S. Alda

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the distribution of iron, manganese, zinc and copper, essential microelements in the soil - fruit system, in an unpolluted area from the west of Romania. The studied area soil is described by coarse texture, a moderately acidic reaction, low humus supply, moderate with phosphorus and potassium (mobile forms), and a low saturation degree. Theoretically, on such soil the mobility of the microelements is quite high, and they can be easily translocated into the plant. Iron, manganese, zinc and copper were determined from soil and three assortments of fruits (apples, pears and plums) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Determinations of the heavy metal mobile forms were carried out in EDTA - ammonium acetate solution. Soil samples collecting was performed on the soil horizon of 0-40 cm. Fruit samples were harvested in the same year as the soil, but at the optimum harvest time of each fruit type. By comparing our results regarding the soil total heavy metal content with the reference values recommended in the literature, we found that they fall within the normal concentration limits. Results on the total and mobile content of microelements in the soil show that the fruits can take up about 0.2 % of total iron concentration, 11,5 % of total manganese amount, 6.42 % of total zinc concentration and 38.43% of total copper concentration in soil. Iron recorded values (mg/kg fresh weight) within different ranges depending on the type of fruit: 5.2-7.88 (apples), 2.20-6.07 (pears) and 3.25- 6.30 (plums). Regarding manganese fruit contents (mg/kg fresh weight), this parameter has registered limits between 0.16-0.39 (apples), 0.21-0.85 (pears) and 0.54-2.35 (plums). Zinc and copper had a relatively uniform distribution in the three types of fruit. The soil analysis reveals that the soil provides for the fruit plantations cultivated in this area a normal supply of iron, manganese, zinc and copper. This affirmation is also confirmed by the total concentrations of the essential microelements determined in the three fruit assortments harvested from this area.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgem2018/5.2/s20.121

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