PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SURFACE SOIL LAYER AFTER THE FLOOD IN THE MIDDLE VISTULA RIVER VALLEY

Environmental studies conducted after the 2010 flood in the middle Vistula River Valley focused on assessment of the physicochemical properties of soil (0-20 cm) sampled from horticultural plantations (2493 samples). Soil pHm, as well as the content of available P, K and Mg forms were determined. Selected samples (48) were analysed for the content of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, As, Hg), mineral N, S-SO4, salinity and dry mass. The tested soil pH ranged from acid to neutral; the phosphorus content was in the average range, while the content of available potassium was 161.0 mg K kg(-1) and that of available magnesium exhibited the value of 160.5 mg Mg kg(-1). The mean value of pH(kcl) and available P were not elevated in the flooded soils versus the same soils before the flood, while the available K and Mg were higher. The content of mineral nitrogen and sulphate sulphur as well as the salinity level were only slightly dependent on the soil agronomic category and soil pH. The content of heavy metals in the soil was higher than before the flood, but did not exceed natural values. The analyses did not demonstrate any significant deterioration of the physicochemical parameters of soils after the 2010 flood, which could negatively affect the quality and yield of cultivated fruit trees and shrubs.