Abstract
We collected and analyzed over 600 soil samples from the vegetable production fields in seven regions across California, examining the total As, Cd, Pb, P, and Zn concentrations of the soils. The ranges for baseline concentrations were determined for each region. The total P and Zn contents of the soils in comparison to the baseline ranges served as indicators on P fertilizers and micronutrients inputs through cultivation, the greater the total contents the larger the inputs. When the soil As, Cd, and Pb concentrations of each region were plotted with respect to those of P and Zn, three data distribution patterns emerged: (1) the soil As, Cd and Pb concentrations of the cropland soils remained within the baseline range regardless of the phosphorus or zinc inputs in 5, 2, 4 of the 7 regions, respectively, (2) the soil As, Cd and Pb concentrations of the cropland soils had moved upward and exceeded the baseline ranges but their concentrations did not rise in proportion to the phosphorus or zinc concentrations of soils in 1, 4, and 3 of the 7 regions, respectively. The enrichment was due to diffuse sources other than phosphorus fertilizers or micronutrients. (3) The soil As and Cd concentrations of the cropland soil in the Oxnard/Ventura Area and Fresno showed trends of increasing with respect to inputs of P and or Zn indicating P fertilizer or micronutrients applications over time have caused As and Cd to slowly accumulate in the cropland soils.
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California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Sections 2302 and 2303
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Chen, W., Krage, N., Wu, L. et al. Fertilizer Applications and Trace Elements in Vegetable Production Soils of California. Water Air Soil Pollut 190, 209–219 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-007-9594-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-007-9594-7