Geochemical background values for trace elements in arable soils developed from sedimentary rocks of glacial origin

Abstract

The total content of trace elements was examined in some arable soils developed from boulder loam and silt formations of the Middle Poland and Baltic glaciations (62 profiles). Mean element concentrations calculated on the basis of chemical and statistical analyses were as follows: Mn = 322; Zn = 36; Cr = 30; Ni = 12.7; Pb = 10.3; Cu = 8.8; Co = 4.7; and Cd = 0.27 in mg kg(-1) of soil dry weight. The authors propose to accept these figures as the geochemical background values for soils derived from sedimentary rocks of glacial origin.