The quality of agricultural soils near industrial zones of the City of Novi Sad

Abstract

Due to the rapid increase of the urban population, food production in cities has become a modern need. Urban agriculture affects the urban environment, and is simultaneously affected by it. The aim of this study was to analyse the quality of soils for safe food production. A total of 15 soil samples were collected from agricultural top soils (depth 0-30 cm) from the vicinity of the industrial zones of the City of Novi Sad, Serbia. The collected samples were analysed for basic soil properties and pseudo-total content of trace elements. Soil pH value was dominantly slightly alkaline, and it was in correlation with carbonate content, which is a natural characteristic of a wider area. According to the readily available P2O5, analysed soils fell within the interval from very poor (<5 mg/100g) to toxic content (>50 mg/kg). Content of readily available K2O fell within the interval from poor (5-10 mg/100g) to high level (25-50 mg/100g). None of the analysed samples exceeded MAC for agricultural soils regarding the content of trace elements (Cu, Zn, As, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr). Analysed agricultural soils are suitable for safe food production. Farmers do not apply rational doses of mineral fertilizers. Excessive use of mineral fertilizers might affect the urban environment, which indicates the necessity for a broader training of farmers regarding optimal fertilizer doses.