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Reclamation influence and background geochemistry of neutral saline soils in the Po River Delta Plain (Northern Italy)

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Abstract

Reclaimed neutral saline sulphate soils constitute a large part of the eastern part of Po Plain lowlands, where intensive agricultural activities take place. The knowledge of their geochemical features is essential to develop the best management practices capable to preserve this threatened environment. With this aim, three boreholes were drilled in an agricultural field and a typical reclaimed soil profile has been characterized for major and trace element, pH, electrical conductivity, redox conditions and water-soluble anions and ammonium. Statistical analysis (cluster analysis and principal component analysis) has been used to understand the relationship between elements and grain size. The soil profile is characterized by high salinity and high organic matter contents responsible for high chloride, sulphate, and ammonium concentrations. Heavy metal content is naturally high, since Po Plain sediments are the result of ultramafic rocks erosion; in addition, organic matter tends to concentrate heavy metals by adsorption, mainly in peaty horizons. As a consequence of chemical and zootechnical fertilization, high NO3 − contents have been found in the top soil, thus enhancing the risk of nitrate discharge in the water system, especially in relation to extreme climatic events.

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Acknowledgments

Authors thank Dr. Umberto Tessari and Dr. Renzo Tassinari for their analytical support. This work has been supported by EC LIFE + funding to ZeoLIFE project (LIFE + 10 ENV/IT/000321).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physics and Earth Science Department, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy

    Dario Di Giuseppe, Barbara Faccini, Micòl Mastrocicco, Nicolò Colombani & Massimo Coltorti

  2. Department of Earth Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Roma, Italy

    Nicolò Colombani

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  1. Dario Di Giuseppe
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  2. Barbara Faccini
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  3. Micòl Mastrocicco
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Correspondence to Dario Di Giuseppe.

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Di Giuseppe, D., Faccini, B., Mastrocicco, M. et al. Reclamation influence and background geochemistry of neutral saline soils in the Po River Delta Plain (Northern Italy). Environ Earth Sci 72, 2457–2473 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-014-3154-4

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