Piotr Hulisz

Edifisols—a new soil unit of technogenic soils

PurposeA very specific type of urban soils forms on buildings. They are developed from or on technogenic substrates. This work was conducted to assess properties of Edifisols occurring in different regions of Europe and northwest Africa. Proposals are made for the terminology used and the systematic position of the investigated soils in the World Reference Base for Soil Resources.Materials and methodsThe research was carried out in 2009–2012 in seven countries. Samples (23 in total) were accidentally collected from 15 municipalities of different size and function ranging from villages, small tourist resorts through medium-sized regional centres to metropolises. Soil material was collected from two types of building components: horizontal (roofs, tops of the buildings, bridge surfaces; 17 samples) and vertical (cracks and gaps in the walls; six samples). Soil materials were submitted to standard physical and chemical analyses to determine selected soil properties. For statistical analysis, STATISTICA 9.0 software was used.Results and discussionThe studied soils were very shallow, with the maximum thickness up to 10xa0cm. In the light of this study, several properties of the Edifisols should be regarded as characteristic, i.e. richness in artefacts and carbonates, very varied content of organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (Nt), elevated phosphorus content (Pca) and heavy metal contamination. The results of the statistical analysis showed that climate was not a key factor in differentiation of the studied soils. The properties of Edifisols are linked to their position on the buildings. Edifisols in concave forms differ from those located on vertical and horizontal surfaces. Stages of the development of Edifisols are presented taking into account the functioning of the building in the course of time.ConclusionsEdifisols are formed as a result of initial, relatively natural soil-forming processes occurring on man-made substrates. Therefore, they may be considered as technogenic analogues of natural initial or weakly developed soils (Rendzic Leptosols, Folic Histosols and ornithogenic soils). They are often ephemeral soils susceptible to the influx of various contaminants. Due to specific location, genesis and properties, the qualifier Edific is proposed to supplement the next edition of World Reference Base (WRB).

Classification of technogenic soils according to WRB system in the light of Polish experiences

Abstract Technosols are relatively young soil group in WRB soil system, and there is still a lot of to do to better understand processes taking place in these soils and to classify them in a proper way. The objectives of this paper were to (1) evaluate Technosol and technogenic qualifiers for other Reference Soil Groups, and (2) propose new solutions which would improve the classification of technogenic soils in WRB. New qualifiers . Edific, Nekric, Misceric, Artefactic, Radioactivic and new specifier . Technic . are proposed to be added to keys to Technosols. Moreover, Salic and Sodic qualifiers should be also available for Technosols. Furthermore, the supplementation of definitions of thionic horizon and sulphidic material with reference to Technosols is also suggested Streszczenie Technolose są młodą jednostką glebową w klasyfikacji WRB. Konieczne są dalsze badania naukowe, ukierunko- wane na zrozumienie procesów zachodzących w tych glebach oraz na prawidłową ich klasyfikację. Celem artykułu jest (1) ocena kwalifikatorów używanych w stosunku do technosoli oraz związanych z technogeniczną naturą gleb, jak rów nież (2) zaproponowa- nie nowych rozwiązań, które ulepszyłyby WRB w kontekście klasyfikacji gleb Technosols. Proponuje się wprowadzenie nowych kwalifikatorów (Edific, Nekric, Misceric, Artefactic, Radioactivic) oraz przedrostka uściślającego Technic do klucza dla grupy Technosols. Proponuje się również dodanie do tego klucza kwalifikatorów Salic i Sodic. Ponadto potrzebne jest uzupełnienie definicji poziomu thionic i materiału sulphidic oraz dopuszczenie stosowania kwalifikatora thionic w Technosolach.

Micropattern of halophytic vegetation on technogenic soils affected by the soda industry

Abstract The properties of technogenic soils affected by the soda industry are significantly different from natural saline soils occurring in Poland. The long-term impact of post-production waste contributed to the formation of extremely saline soils rich both in sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2). Despite the strong degradation, these soils play a very important role in the urban ecosystem, because they can provide a habitat for very unique halophytic species. Therefore, in this study, we examined how environmental factors control the micropattern of halophytic vegetation in analyzed industrial soils in Poland. It was hypothesized that species distribution and vegetation variation can be affected by different environmental factors at the local scale. The current study was carried out on three test plots of different microelevation and vegetation cover. In general, Salicornia europaea L. was the most dominant species on each plot, but besides patches dominated only by this species, the other major and distinguished constituents were Puccinelia distans, (JACQ.) PARL. Aster tripolium L. and Triglochin maritima L. Finally, the general vegetation–environmental statistical model (direct ordination–redundancy analysis) was created. The results demonstrated that very diverse microtopography and soil conditions within very small areas were ecologically important. The driving factors for species distribution on each plot were slightly different because of the local differences in environmental conditions. The generalization of vegetation–environment relations performed for all plots together demonstrated that significant, and the most important, factors for plant species distribution in the investigated area were elevation and parameters determined in the saturation paste extracts such as reaction (pHe), chloride content (Cl-) and saturation percentage (SP). As a general rule, species preferred elevated parts of the lower salinity (ECe) and the lower concentration of chloride (Cl–) ions. S. europaea was present at relatively higher salinity compared to A. tripolium, T. maritima and P. distans. Moreover, the presence of P. distans was related to the relatively higher soil pH. The obtained results in the association context present the factors responsible for species variation within the Salicornia europaea plant community, which can be particularly important for restoration of its natural stands.

Urban soil resources of medium-sized cities in Poland: a comparative case study of Toruń and Zielona Góra

PurposeDespite the many studies of urban soils, a comparative analysis for cities of a similar size has not yet been conducted. Thus, the aim of this review paper was to compare the soil distribution patterns in the area of two medium-sized Polish cities (Toruń and Zielona Góra). The authors attempted to answer the question of how natural and technogenic factors contributed to the transformation of urban soils and what the similarities and differences are between these two studied cities.Materials and methodsFirst, both the natural and the human-related (including historical) factors influencing the soil formation in the studied cities were analysed. Then, a comparison of the degree of transformation of the urban soil environment was presented. The data obtained by the authors during nearly two decades of research (over 200 soil profiles) were used.Results and discussionIntensive development of the built-up areas in Toruń brought heavy and long-term transformations of soils, which demonstrate the typical properties of Urbic Technosols, Ekranic Technosols and other technogenic soils. Zielona Góra showed a similar state of soil transformation over a considerably smaller area. Currently, the differences in the soil properties in many built up areas have been blurred, despite the habitat and historical base. The similarities of the soil properties concerned, in particular, a high content of skeletal remains (from a few to over 30%), elevated pH (in KCl) values (even above 8.0) and the artificial soil horizons formation. Both cities struggle with similar problems regarding the changes in the land use within the areas covered by these soils.ConclusionsIt was found that, despite the significant habitat and historical differences between the two studied cities, most of the urban soils, especially Urbic Technosols, Ekranic Technosols and Regosols (Relocatic and Technic), are characterised by similar morphology and properties. The most important differences are the time and scale of the area transformation, which influence the extent of Technosols and Anthrosols within the city borders. The most distinct differences concern the natural and slightly transformed soils, which are the results of various soil-forming factors.

Main Driving Factors for Seacoast Vegetation in the Southern and Eastern Baltic

This study aimed to determine the role of environmental factors in the pattern of vegetation related to marsh soils, which are rare in the Baltic coastal zone. It was assumed that the pattern of vegetation directly affected by seawater depends on seawater salinity, and in general reflects the decreasing salinity gradient of the Baltic Sea. The research of vegetation and soils (0–25xa0cm) has been undertaken on 11 selected sites along the Baltic seacoast in Germany, Poland and Estonia. According to TWINSPAN classification, five plant communities were distinguished: the Puccinellia maritima-Spergularia marina community, Juncus gerardi community, Agrostis stolonifera-Phragmites australis-Scirpus lacustris ssp. tabernaemontani community, Phragmites australis-Calystegia sepium community and Elymus repens community. A canonical correspondence analysis showed that the most important environmental factors influencing vegetation differentiation were: electrical conductivity of the saturation paste extract, hay/pasture management, redox potential, soil moisture and actual pH. In conclusion, the spatial distribution of the investigated vegetation and soil properties along the Baltic Sea shore were inconsistent with the spatial salinity gradient of the open surface seawater, but was significantly dependent on local conditions. This was confirmed by the highest soil salinity and most abundant occurrence of Salicornia europaea in Estonia.

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in salt-affected soils in the Natura 2000 area (Ciechocinek, north-central Poland)

This paper aimed to evaluate the ecological risk posed by the accumulation of heavy metals in the salt-affected soils of the habitat covered by the EU Natura 2000 program in relation to the activity of soil redox enzymes. The research was carried out in the halophyte reserve in Ciechocinek (north-central Poland) which is a very specific habitat as it undergoes a long-term human impact related to both the operation of the medical spa town and the agricultural use of soils in the adjacent areas. The obtained results showed that the content of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd in the studied soils exceeded the Polish standards. Based on the obtained data and statistical analysis, it was found that metals may come from two different sources: emission from household boiler rooms (Pb, Cd) and corroded brine sewage pipeline (Zn, Cu).They are characterized by limited mobility due to alkaline environment and strong sorption properties of the clay fraction and organic matter. The correlation analysis indicates that the dehydrogenase activities were negatively correlated with soil electrical conductivity (EC1:5) (rxa0=xa0−xa00.665, Pxa0<xa00.05). Taking into account the protective status of the area, it is difficult to indicate definitely the solution concerning the land management. However, according to the authors, one should pay special attention to a possibility of using halophytes which occur within the reserve for phytoremediation.

Coastal marsh soils in Poland: characteristics and problems of classification

Abstract This paper presents the current state of knowledge concerning the genesis, properties and taxonomic position of soils developed from marine and marine-alluvial sediments in Poland, called “marsh soils”. They have not as yet been identified in the fifth edition of the Polish Soil Classification (2011). However, the author’s results demonstrate that, despite occupying only a small area along the Polish Baltic coast, these soils clearly show a distinct typological specificity. This confirms the need to include the marsh soils in the Polish classification system. Therefore, the creation a separate unit within the order of weakly-developed soils was proposed. This comprehensive proposal was fully compatible with the quantitative-genetic approach used in the fifth edition. However, this proposal may not be optimal in the context of a substantial modification of the Polish classification system, e.g. by the introduction of completely quantitative hierarchical key. Because of the close taxonomic relationships between marsh, alluvial and gley soils, it seems necessary to discuss the approach used in the current edition of the WRB classification (2015).

Application of Magnetic Susceptibility Measurements for Identification of Technogenic Horizons in Soil Profiles on the Example of the Vistula River Cross-Cut Area

Studies on magnetic properties of soils have been recently applied in the soil environment quality monitoring in relation to basic physical and chemical properties. However, the issue of distribution of ferrimagnetic materials in particular genetic soil horizons, especially in altered soils, has not yet been considered in environmental studies. The main subject of the research was to evaluate a potential of magnetic susceptibility measurements as implements for supporting the soil classification through indication of particular distinctive genetic horizons in the soil profile. The study objects were soils whose formation was strictly conditioned by hydrotechnical regulations in the area of the Vistula River Cross-Cut (northern Poland). It has been demonstrated that the magnetic susceptibility test is an accurate supporting tool in recognition and classification of genetic horizons in a soil profile. The obtained results properly reflected the soil morphological variability and also were good indicators of the presence of lithologic discontinuities of technogenic origin.

How Does Salinity Shape Bacterial and Fungal Microbiomes of Alnus glutinosa Roots

Black alder (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.) belongs to dual mycorrhizal trees, forming ectomycorrhizal (EM) and arbuscular (AM) root structures, as well as represents actinorrhizal plants that associate with nitrogen-fixing actinomycete Frankia sp. We hypothesized that the unique ternary structure of symbionts can influence community structure of other plant-associated microorganisms (bacterial and fungal endophytes), particularly under seasonally changing salinity in A. glutinosa roots. In our study we analyzed black alder root bacterial and fungal microbiome present at two forest test sites (saline and non-saline) in two different seasons (spring and fall). The dominant type of root microsymbionts of alder were ectomycorrhizal fungi, whose distribution depended on site (salinity): Tomentella, Lactarius, and Phialocephala were more abundant at the saline site. Mortierella and Naucoria (representatives of saprotrophs or endophytes) displayed the opposite tendency. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi belonged to Glomeromycota (orders Paraglomales and Glomales), however, they represented less than 1% of all identified fungi. Bacterial community structure depended on test site but not on season. Sequences affiliated with Rhodanobacter, Granulicella, and Sphingomonas dominated at the saline site, while Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium were more abundant at the non-saline site. Moreover, genus Frankia was observed only at the saline site. In conclusion, bacterial and fungal community structure of alder root microsymbionts and endophytes depends on five soil chemical parameters: salinity, phosphorus, pH, saturation percentage (SP) as well as total organic carbon (TOC), and seasonality does not appear to be an important factor shaping microbial communities. Ectomycorrhizal fungi are the most abundant symbionts of mature alders growing in saline soils. However, specific distribution of nitrogen-fixing Frankia (forming root nodules) and association of arbuscular fungi at early stages of plant development should be taken into account in further studies.

Bacterial microbiome of root-associated endophytes of Salicornia europaea in correspondence to different levels of salinity

The halophytes have evolved several strategies to survive in saline environments; however, an additional support from their associated microbiota helps combat adverse conditions. Hence, our driving interests to investigate the endophytic bacterial community richness, diversity, and composition associated to roots of Salicornia europaea from two test sites with different origins of soil salinity. We assumed that salinity will have a negative effect on the diversity of endophytes but simultaneously will permit the high occurrence of halophylic bacteria. Further, to establish the role of the host and its external environment in determining the endophytic diversity, we analyzed the physico-chemical parameters of root zone soil and the concentration of salt ions in the plant roots. The results based on the Miseq Illumina sequencing approach revealed a higher number of endophytic bacterial OTUs at naturally saline test site with a higher level of soil salinity. Proteobacteria and Bacteriodetes were the dominant endophytic phyla at both analyzed sites; additionally, the high occurrence of Planctomycetes and Acidobacteria at more saline site and the occurrence of Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi at less saline site were recorded. The salinity in the root zone soil was crucial in structuring the endophytic community of S. europaea, and the significant prevalence of representatives from the phyla Deltaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Caldithrix, Fibrobacteres, and Verrucomicrobia at the more saline test site suggest domination of halophylic bacteria with potential role in mitigation of salt stress of halophytes.