MACRO AND MICROELEMENT CONTENTS IN SOIL OF SOME GRASSLAND LANDSCAPE IN CENTRAL BALKAN NATIONAL PARK

D. Karatoteva, L. Malinova

Abstract: The present study aims to analyze and assess the content of some macro- and microelements in soils from high mountainous grassland landscapes on the territory of the “Central Balkan” National Park, where grazing takes place. Soils were studied and classified as Umbrisols. The humus quantity is very high – 13–25%. The coefficients of its decrease with depth – between the layers 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, which represent the entire depth of the profiles, are within the range 1.0–1.2 and can be assessed as very low. They are accepted as the proof of predominantly grassland soil-forming process which is an indication of the conservative structure of the landscapes in these territories. The heavy metals Zn, Cu, Pb, As and Cd were studied and exceedances of the maximum permissible limit for soils in grasslands were determined only for cadmium (2.1–4.0 mg.kg–1). It can be assumed that the soils are not contaminated by anthropogenic sources. The analysis indicates that the increased concentrations are due to the geochemical background and biogenic accumulation of cadmium in soils, rich in organic matter. It is recommended to carry out analysis of the cadmium content in other components of the grassland landscapes, as well as environmental risk assessment.

Keywords: cadmium; landscape; lead; national park; pasture; soil

Date published: 2017-09-01