Current state and development of macro- and micronutrients content in arable soils of Slovakia

Abstract

The current state and development of macronutrients (P, K, Mg) and basic micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Mn) in arable soils of Slovakia were evaluated. The obtained results are based on the Soil Monitoring System of Slovakia (318 sites, sampled repeatedly in five-years cycle since 1993) including the arable land and grassland in Slovakia from the year 1993. In this contribution only arable soils were evaluated. The macronutrients have been analysed using Mehlich III method and for micronutrients the extraction with DTPA method has been used. The content of available phosphorus in arable soils of Slovakia is fluctuating within a wide range (from 15.60 to 177 mg.kg^-1) what is classified as low to very high content. Development of available phosphorus is slightly decreasing with time. The content of available potassium is also varying in wide range (115.70–295.60 mg.kg^-1), what represents low to good supply. At most sampled sites the available potassium is slightly decreasing with time. The content of magnesium is sufficient to high (mostly in the range from 50.61 to 889.50 mg.kg^-1). The development of magnesium during monitored period is without significant change. The content of microelements (Cu, Zn, Mn) is mostly medium to high . The content of Cu is distributed in the wide range of 0.31–5.07 mg.kg^-1 (low to high content), content of Zn is distributed in the range of 1.26–3.60 mg.kg^-1 (medium to high content) and Mn is in the wide range (3.05–80 mg.kg^-1) what represents low to medium content. The micronutrient contents are slightly decreasing during the monitored period.

Keywords: soil monitoring, macronutrients, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, micronutrients, copper, zinc, manganese, arable soils, Slovakia