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Analysis of macro and micronutrient contents and spatial distribution in Vushtrria region, Kosovo

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Abstract

Macro- and micronutrients determine crops' growth and productivity and affect soil quality and sustainability. Intensive cultivation of potatoes and cereals was the reason to research the contents and spatial distribution of plant nutrients in the soil of the Vushtrria region. A total of 30 composite soil samples were collected (0–25 cm). In soil samples were analyzed physicochemical parameters, organic carbon (OC), humus (H), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Ni, Mo, Zn, B, and Se). The physicochemical parameters and macronutrients were measured with volumetric, potentiometric, and spectrometric methods, while the ICP-OES was used to measure micronutrients. The average levels were: pH 6.34, OC 1.31%, H 1.58%, Conductivity 0.4 dS/m, CaCO3 4.13%, SO42− 0.15%, Ca + Mg 201.5 mg/kg, HCO3− 1441, Cl− 214 mg/kg, AP 1.74 mg/kg, TN 0.08%, and AK 70.7 mg/kg. The average levels of micronutrients were: B 1 < mg/kg, Cu 47.1 mg/kg, Fe 1.02%, Mn 808.3 mg/kg, Mo 54.84 mg/kg, Ni 129.34 mg/kg, Se < 4 mg/kg, and Zn 480.2 mg/kg. The physicochemical parameters showed a uniform distribution. The kriging patterns for N, P, and K showed increased level distributions in cultivated soil, which also was shown with PCA analysis and dendrograms. B and Se showed low values in all samples. Mn, Mo, Ni, and Zn were at high values exceeding one to three times reference values. These high values suggest continuous monitoring of agricultural soil. Also, this study recommends Institutions and Farmers applying best practices and will be a base for young researchers.

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  1. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina, Str George Bush. n.n, 10000, Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo

    Ilir Shehu

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Shehu, I. Analysis of macro and micronutrient contents and spatial distribution in Vushtrria region, Kosovo. Environ Dev Sustain (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-04027-w

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