Significance of soil copper in the urban development of horticultural soils

Abstract

In New Zealand, copper (Cu) applied to soils in fertilisers, urban and animal wastes, or pesticides may increase Cu concentrations from an average of 30 mg kg^–1 to more than 10 times this value and may restrict the development of treated areas for residential use. Guidelines for assessing such possible hazards have been proposed by planning authorities. The behaviour of Cu in soils, plants, and animals is reviewed to test the validity of these guidelines. It is concluded that the potential risks associated with Cu in horticultural soils are very much less than those implied by current New Zealand guidelines.

Keywords:

• copper
• horticultural soils
• toxicity
• guidelines