[ Introduction ]
[ State ]
[ Pressure ]
[ Response ]
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Land survey in 1993-1997 indicated acid and slightly acid soils (pHKCl < 6.0) in 37% of the surveyed areas (6,103.2 ha). Also, agro-chemical studies in 1992-97 showed a necessity for application of lime in 41% of investigated areas (197,000 ha) to optimise the soil pH.
In future years, a gradual increase of the soil acidity is predicted. Due to the soil buffer capacity (stability against the pH fluctuations caused by the surrounding environment), the soil acidity is not yet increasing rapidly. Investigation of pH trends in 82 farms found that acidification had already occurred in 18% of the total area.
Soil Organic Matter Content
The structure, density and the adsorption ability of soil depend on the organic matter content in soil. Land survey found 46% of mineral soils to have insufficient (<2%) organic matter content. A similar proportion (34%) was also estimated in another survey based on agrochemical data. During the past 5 years, a reduction of organic matter content has been observed in 28% of the surface area in 12 farms which are permanent observation sites.
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Heavy Metals in Soil
Mineral fertilisers, pesticides and emissions from transport, industry and energy producers can be sources of heavy metal contamination in soil and crops. Pesticides contain toxic organic substances as well as heavy metals, such as Cu, Hg, As, Zn.
The data from the land survey in selected territories showed that the contents of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr) were very low in 95-99% of cases, corresponding to the background (natural) levels.
Heavy Metals in Agricultural Products
The concentrations of heavy metals in samples of cereals and perennial hay did not exceed the maximum admissible concentrations. 62% of the cereal crop samples were considered acceptable for production of food for children.
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