Trace elements in agricultural soils of northwestern Alberta

Abstract

Fifty-two surface soils and 11 subsoils collected from agricultural soils of the Peace River region of northwestern Alberta were analyzed for total and extractable contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. The purpose of this survey was to build up a data base on trace element contents of agricultural and environmental concerns for soils of this region. Extractable amounts were determined by DTPA-ammonium bicarbonate, 0.05 M EDTA, 0.1 M HCl and saturation extractions. Total Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb concentrations were similar to average values for "world' soils; Ni was less than and Zn greater than "world' average. -from Authors