A Quali-quantitative evaluation approach to pedodiversity by multivariate analysis: introduction to the concept of "pedocharacter"

A model has been developed for the interpretation of the complexity of pedological systems; this is referred to as “pedocharacter”. The main aim of the model was to reduce the variables able to define soils and their relationships with the environment through the following quali-quantitative approach: i) definition of a fair number of qualitative characters; and ii) development of an analytic function, defined as “Land Relevance of the Factor”

Zeolitized tuffs in pedotechnique for quarry restoration: evaluation of phytonutritional efficiency in ^AUP model horizons

A study was started aiming at assessing the suitability of zeolitized tuff as optimal mineral Human Transported Materials (HTMs) in pedotechnologies for quarry restoration

Lead distribution as related to pedological features of soils in the Volturno River low basin (Campania, Italy)

The Volturno River plain (Campania, Italy), is an extensive alluvial formation with large pedovariability, supporting valuable crop and livestock productions. The presence of illegal waste dumps with Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) could threaten both environmental safety and the agricultural activities. Research is currently underway aiming to evaluate the environmental conditions and present and potential agronomic quality of the soils. This study deals with the occurrence and distribution of Pb in soils with reference to different pedological features. An extensive survey of soil profiles and core top-subsoils was carried out. Soil genesis and evolution would appear to be affected by various, mainly natural, factors, such as the variability/dynamics of sediments connected with river digression, flow regime and flooding, but also human, through the land reclamation of marsh areas. Classified pedotypes vary from Entisols to Vertisols. The former are seen in the areas near the Volturno riverbanks — frequently rejuvenated by flooding materials — the latter in stabilized inner areas that are far from riverbed. In the study area, several illegal waste dumps with toxic/harmful slag have been discovered causing a great stir and scaremongering and bringing the agricultural land image into disrepute. Despite this critical situation, soil Pb concentration in agricultural soils is low (range 0.4–90 mg kg−1, mean value 21.8 mg kg−1) consistent with the natural background, and below both reference literature and the contamination threshold (100 mg kg−1) sanctioned by current laws. Our results also revealed that: i) Pb concentrations show wide spatial variability, and are randomly distributed among topsoils and subsoils; ii) Pb distribution along soil profiles is clearly irregular, linked to natural pedological heterogeneities, such as buried horizons and/or changes of soil organic matter (OM), clay and CaCO3 contents, and, consequently, of Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC); and iii) OM and the fine-size fraction are the main natural sinks of soil Pb. The results achieved appear to refute the alarmism concerning widespread Pb contamination in agricultural soils of Volturno River basin

A ‘Geo-Pedo-Fingerprint’ (GPF) as a tracer to detect univocal parent material-to-wine production chain in high quality vineyard districts, Campi Flegrei (Southern Italy)

An interdisciplinary study, involving geologists, chemists and pedologists, started aiming at identifying a “Geo- Pedo-Fingerprint” (GPF) univocally linking the wine to its origin, namely, the Piedirosso vineyards growing in the Campi Flegrei volcanic area. The focal point of this research was the characterization of the whole parent material–soil–vineyard–wine system, achieved by correlating the elemental pattern – with special reference to micro-nutrients and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) – and Sr isotopic ratios, to identify a reliable and convenient ‘GPF‘, as a guaranteed indicator of wine provenance. A representative soil/Piedirosso vineyard system was identified and characterized. Samples from each soil horizon as well as from vine branches, leaves, grapes and wine were collected and analyzed. All samples were analyzed by multi-collector inductively coupled mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) to determine their 87Sr/86Sr isotopic composition, by ICP-Quadrupole MS to measure multielemental composition including REE, and by X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) for the quantitative evaluation of the mineral phases occurring in soil samples. Statistical analysis (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, Factor Analysis) revealed the existence of separate correlations of element distribution between: i) soil, as nutrient pool source, and vegetative compartments, i.e. branches and leaves, as biochemical yards for nutrient elaboration and marshaling, ii) vegetative compartments and the productive compartment, i.e. grapes as the metabolic outcome of the vine, and, iii) the productive compartment and its artifact produced by man, i.e. wine. However, no sequential correlation of elements from soil to wine did appear, likely because clusters of elements were discriminated due to the varying take up and fractionation processes in plants, as well as during vinification processes. Therefore, none of the investigated elements was a liable ‘GPF’ as a candidate tracer from soil to wine. In contrast, the use of a petrogenetic tracer such as 87Sr/86Sr isotopic composition provided satisfactory responses. In fact, the values of such a ratio within the entire studied chain vary in a very small range from 0.7076 to 0.7084, thus falling within the typical range for volcanites of Campi Flegrei (0.7065–0.7086). These results currently represent the only study focusing on a geotracer, such as the 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratio, linked with a pedological survey to identify the volcanic Campanian wine-producing chains from soil parent material-to-wine

Zeolitized tuffs in pedotechnique for the reclamation of abandoned quarries: a case study in the Campania region (Italy)

The present study aims to assess the evolution of different proto-horizons as embryonic soils built by pedotechnologies for the reclamation and management of derelict and damaged lands, such as abandoned quarries. The model proto-horizons were assembled by utilizing coarse limestone gravel or zeolitized Phlegraean Yellow Tuff (PYT) as mineral components and commercial compost-amendments or a phosphorite-poultry manure mixture as organic matrices for growth of a pasture-grass under controlled conditions. The evolution of the model proto-horizons was followed by an evaluation of the stability and modification of the organic matter (OM) with reference to plant development. The results suggest that the natural carbonatic substrate occurring in limestone quarries was unable to sustain significant plant growth, while the PYT was suitable and efficient as a pedogenic substrate because it supported plant growth and induced a conspicuous accumulation of OM due to root activity. In particular, OM, including humic and non-humic components, greatly increased in the PYT treatment with the phosphorite-poultry manure mixture showing a concurrent trend toward humification. Conversely, an overall tendency toward degradation of OM was detected in the PYT model proto-horizon treated with commercial compost. Feasibility estimates show that quarry restoration costs appear reasonable where environmental impacts are high