engleski

The characteristics of cultivated soils developed from coastal paleosand (Korcula Island, Croatia)

The problem of maintaining soil quality and fertility of soil developed from Pleistocene eolian sand deposits arises from improper management and conservation of the highly fragile sandy soil environment. The research was undertaken to determine howvarious aspects of cultivated soil fertility can be related to specific pedological and geological factors, and which one of these relationships plays an essential role in Lumbarda “polje”, Korcula Island, Croatia. Soil survey was done by examining and sampling one hundred locations to the depth of 100 cm within 40 ha of the winegrowing site. Geostatistical analysis was applied to characterize the spatial variability and produce the soil map of the area. Soil profiles were sampled for laboratory analysis, including physicochemical characteristics and mineralogy. Modal analysis and petrographic microscopy of soil concretions were conducted as well. Two soil units (SU) were identified, both containing more than 80% sand: SU1 Hypoluvic Arenosols, and SU2 Haplic Arenosols (FAO 2006). In SU1, reddish brown color originated from Fe oxide coatings on sand grains, whereas SU2 is characterized by the rise of pH with depth and the presence of calcite as a cementing material. Cation exchange capacity was significantly higher in SU2. The documented variability of element content and distribution in the soil profiles indicates differentweathering stages of the sandy layers. Diagrams of Cr/V and Co/V ratios indicate different origin of sand deposits. Light mineral fraction is dominant in both SU. Most of the sand grains are intensively weathered and well rounded, indicating long transportation from the source area. The results of mineralogical and geochemical characterization of Lumbarda “polje” grapevine growing site are applicable and useful to future studies that involve “fingerprinting” regional wines.

soil geochemistry ; geostatistics ; modal analysis ; soil fertility ; Adriatic coast ; soil formation

nije evidentirano