Content of zinc in plants depending on its fractional composition in soil and properties of soil

Abstract

Metals in soils occur in different forms, which are more or less mobile, which means bioavailable. The aim of this study was to assess the content of zinc in cultivated plants, depending on soil properties but also its content in soil and fractions in typical and unpolluted region, which is the Podlasie Province. The research material consisted of samples taken from arable soil in 81 points of Podlasie Province. Basic physicochemical properties and content of soil fraction < 0.02 mm in samples were determined. Pseudo-total content of zinc and its fractional composition in soil as well as zinc content in plants was evaluated. Correlation coefficients between the content of zinc in plants and physicochemical properties of soil were calculated. It was found that examined soil contained natural amount of zinc, characteristic for uncontaminated soils. The most of zinc was associated with the organic matter fraction and the least with residual fraction. Among the analysed plants from light soils, the most of zinc was found in rye. Plants from medium-heavy soils contained similar amount of zinc, with the exception of maize. Correlation coefficients do not confirm the significant relationship between soil properties and zinc in plants. Significant relationship was stated between bioaccumulation factors and the content of zinc in plants.