Soil quality classes for characterizing the soil potential to produce biologically and ecologically valuable crops

Abstract

Soil quality classes were developed which characterize the potential of soils to produce valuable crops and to meet ecological standards. Two groups of soil indicators were the basis of the four developed soil quality classes. The first group consists of indicators that determine the quality of soils to grow biologically valuable crops (major nutrients and microelements). The second group contains indicators that examine the quality of soils to grow ecologically safe crops (heavy metals, radionuclides, pesticides). Soil quality class I determines soils on which ecologically safe and biologically valuable (ES-BV)crops can be grown. Soil quality class II defines soils for ecologically safe and biologically non-valuable (ES-BNV) products. Soil quality class III indicates soils, where ecologically non-safe and biologically valuable (ENS-BV) crops can be grown. Soil quality class IV covers soils that may produce ecologically non-safe and biologically non-valuable products (ENS-BNV). The concept was tested in a research farm in Ukraine on Chernozems, Phaeozems, Meadow Chernozems, and Soddy Gley Soils. Soil specific differences were found. Data for most soils show restrictions of potential to produce food of high quality due to contaminations with heavy metals and radionuclides. The overall concept and analytical methods require further research.

Keywords:

• soil quality classes
• ecological safe indicators
• biological valuable indicators