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We investigated the concentration of Aluminium (Al), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) in the root and aboveground organs of four halophyte species (Salicornia europaea, Suaeda maritima, Salsola soda and Halimione portulacoides), as well as in the soil from maritime and inland saline areas. The aim of our research was to evaluate the capability of some halophyte species to absorb different heavy metals and to detect differentiation of heavy metal accumulation within populations from inland and maritime saline areas. Generally, the plant roots had significantly higher concentrations of metals when compared to stems and leaves. Zinc was the only metal with concentrations significantly higher in the leaves than in the root and stem. Populations from maritime saline areas had higher trace root and stem metal concentrations than populations from inland saline areas. Excepting zinc, populations from inland saline areas had higher heavy metal concentrations in the leaves. The factors that affected metal accumulation by halophytes included the percentage of salt in the soil. We also discuss the potential use of these halophytes in phytoremediation.

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The objective of this study was to estimate how soil organic carbon influences winter wheat yield in the South Pannonian Basin. The treatments evaluated were: fertilized 3 year and 2 year crop rotation, fertilized wheat monoculture and unfertilized 3 year and 2 year crop rotation in the 38 years of continuous cropping (1970–2007). These treatments showed a declining trend of soil organic carbon in the 0–30 cm soil layer, respectively. On average, the plow-layer of the treatments lost 10% of soil organic carbon found at the beginning of the investigated period. The plow­layer of the unfertilized treatments reached a possible soil organic carbon threshold (1.16%) after balance on decomposition and formation was observed. We found that soil organic carbon preservation coupled with proper management such as crop rotation and fertilization is important for preserving soil productivity, and when soil organic carbon increases it could benefit winter wheat yield. Obtained results are valuable for developing a sustainable cropping technology for winter wheat and soil conservation.

Topography-induced microclimate differences determine the local spatial variation of soil characteristics as topographic factors may play the most essential role in changing the climatic pattern. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) with respect to the slope gradient and aspect, and to quantify their influence on SOC within different land use/cover classes. The study area is the Region of Niš in Serbia, which is characterized by complex topography with large variability in the spatial distribution of SOC. Soil samples at 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm were collected from different slope gradients and aspects in each of the three land use/cover classes. The results showed that the slope aspect significantly influenced the spatial distribution of SOC in the forest and vineyard soils, where N- and NW-facing soils had the highest level of organic carbon in the topsoil. There were no similar patterns in the uncultivated land. No significant differences were found in the subsoil. Organic carbon content was higher in the topsoil, regardless of the slope of the terrain. The mean SOC content in forest land decreased with increasing slope, but the difference was not statistically significant. In vineyards and uncultivated land, the SOC content was not predominantly determined by the slope gradient. No significant variations across slope gradients were found for all observed soil properties, except for available phosphorus and potassium. A positive correlation was observed between SOC and total nitrogen, clay, silt, and available phosphorus and potassium, while a negative correlation with coarse sand was detected. The slope aspect in relation to different land use/cover classes could provide an important reference for land management strategies in light of sustainable development.

This paper reports the results of radioactivity concentrations and heavy metal content in soil samples collected from non-agricultural areas in the municipality and vicinity of North Kosovska Mitrovica, formerly the most important mining area in Europe. The estimated average activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs are 40.6 ± 19, 48 ± 25.4, 743.2 ± 200.5 and 81 ± 119 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The estimated average absorbed dose rate in the air and the annual effective dose are 78.7 nGy h(-1) and 96.6 μSv, respectively. The radium equivalent activity and external hazard index were also calculated. High contents of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, As and Ni were found in the analyzed soil samples, thus indicating pollution of the environment. Most metals have a wide range of values spanning 2 to 3 orders of magnitude, which is particularly evident for Pb and Zn. Correlations between the activity concentrations of the radionuclides, the heavy metal content in soil and the basic soil properties were determined by means of the Pearson linear coefficient. Strong positive correlations between the naturally occurring radionuclides, and also among Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd were found.

Due to specific soil properties and management practices, soils in vineyards are sensitive to degradation. The aims of this study were to examine (i) the state of soil organic carbon (SOC) in vineyards compared to other agricultural land, (ii) the influence of different fertilization strategies and soil type on SOC content and (iii) the rate of SOC change over time and potential of deep tillage for SOC preservation in subsoil. The study was carried out at 16 representative vineyard locations of the Tri Morave region, which represents the largest vine growing region in Serbia. The analyzed area included 56 vineyard plots. Results showed that SOC stocks in the topsoil and subsoil were lower than the average for agricultural land in Serbia. The soil type was an important predictor of carbon storage in the topsoil. An adequate application of inorganic fertilizers or green manure combined with farmyard manure initially resulted in the highest SOC contents. Continuous application of inorganic fertilizer without organic amendments has led to a decrease of SOC in topsoil. High rates of SOC stock change in topsoil accompanied a rapid reduction of SOC in the earlier stage of cultivation. In all investigated subsoils, SOC increased, except for unfertilized vineyards. Deep tillage has the potential to preserve SOC in the deeper soil layer and prevent carbon loss from the topsoil. More attention should be paid to the soil conservation practices to meet environmental sustainability of viticulture.