Factors Controlling the Spatial Variability of Copper in Topsoils of the Northeastern Region of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain

Rodríguez Martín, José Antonio; Vázquez de la Cueva, Antonio; Grau Corbí, José Manuel; López Arias, M

Factors Controlling the Spatial Variability of Copper in Topsoils of the Northeastern Region of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain

2007

Rodríguez Martín, José Antonio | Vázquez de la Cueva, Antonio | Grau Corbí, José Manuel | López Arias, M (Manuel)

The sources of copper topsoil variability in agricultural have been evaluated in the northeastern region of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain) using 624 soil samples collected in a standard 8 x 8 km grid. Analyses of variance combined with geostatistical methods have been used to map the spatial variability and to evaluate the relative contribution of natural and anthropic copper sources in topsoils. The use of the residual values derived from the interpolation method have led to the identification of local anomalies in the copper content in relation to agricultural practices carried out on the land. Copper concentrations were relatively low (17.33 ± 14.97 mg/kg) in areas with a high pH level (>8.2) and low organic matter (<1%). In general, the spatial distribution of copper showed a good relationship with the surface evidence of the lithologic units at a regional scale. At a smaller scale, concentration values also indicated the anthropogenic influence related to specific agricultural practices in relation to land use and cultivation methods. The highest mean concentrations were found in vineyards and olive fields. These were partly due to inputs from inorganic fertilisers, mainly copper sulphate, and also to the application of liquid and soil manure.

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