Abstract
The aim of the research was to show the distribution of fractions as well as bioavailability and the total forms of Zn in the profiles of soils from domestic gardens and family allotment gardens in six cities in south-eastern Poland. Results found that the level of Zn total form varied in the ranges from A horizon: 12.75–154.75 mg·kg−1 in sandy soils and 18.20–104.00 mg·kg−1 in silty soils. Accumulation of metals was assessed using concentration indices, Igeo, and the Cav/Ct and BF indices of bioavailable forms. The analysis took into account the role of organic matter as an important component in binding the analyzed metals in soil horizons subjected to long-term horticultural cultivation. In the two groups of sandy and silty soils distinguished according to their particle size distribution, horticultural treatments were found to exert a greater impact on sandy soils. Additionally, higher contents of the examined element were stated in the humus horizons, as indicated by the high values of concentration and Igeo indices showing high Zn pollution in the soils. The content of bioavailable zinc forms was significantly high, especially in soils with a higher metal content.
Highlights
Allotment gardens are one of the most interesting types of urban greenery, along with domestic gardens, which serve similar functions in detached housing estates
The physicochemical properties of the humus horizons were more favorable in the horticultural samples, compared to the arable soil samples; no such relationships were found in the medium soils (Tables S1 and S2)
The BF index reported by Bielicka-Giełdoń et al [27] had a value of 50–70% and was more comparable with the light soils, where it reached as high as 90% in the topsoil layer
Summary
Allotment gardens are one of the most interesting types of urban greenery, along with domestic gardens, which serve similar functions in detached housing estates. In addition to their recreational function, they give owners the opportunity to grow their own vegetables and fruit [1,2]. In the case of smaller cities or located in less industrialized areas, it is difficult to find items describing a case study. This is an indication to analyze the soils of allotment gardens in terms of heavy metal content in areas with less urbanization pressure than agglomerations. The problem was found in south-eastern Poland, which represented mostly the agricultural area
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