CONTENT OF BIOGENIC ELEMENTS IN THE SOIL AT DIFFERENT SITES ON A FARM

A. Apostolov, B. Szostak

Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the degree of soil contamination by biogenic elements on a pig farm. The study was conducted on a pig farm in the Lublin voivodeship. The pigs were housed in group pens with straw. Soil samples were collected from the following locations: the dunghill at distances of 5 and 10 m and the fattening house at distance of 5 and 10 m. Samples were collected from three layers, every 20 cm, to a depth of 60 cm. Following mineralization of the samples in fuming nitric and perchloric acid, determinations were made of total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. No increase in these biogenic elements was found in the soil from the farm with respect to their natural content in the soil. Total nitrogen and available phosphorus and potassium in the soil varied by the interaction of the soil layer with the sampling point, distance, and manure storage site. The results of the study confirm that biogenic elements can migrate deep into the soil profile, which in the case of improper manure storage can lead to contamination of the soil and groundwater, particularly by nitrogen and phosphorus compounds.

Keywords: nitrogen; phosphor; pig farm; potassium; soil

Date published: 2017-10-12