| Year : |
2026 |
| Volume : |
72 |
| Issue : |
1 |
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| Authors : |
Tatjana MITKOVA, Mile MARKOSKI, Marjan KIPRIJANOVSKI, Maja NASKOVSKA, Ivan MINCHEV, Marija TODOROVSKA |
| Title : |
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF COPPER IN THE SOILS UNDER ORCHARDS IN THE KUMANOVO REGION |
| Abstract : |
A total of 22 soil samples from 11 locations under fruit orchards in the Kumanovo region were analyzed to determine total copper content. Samples were collected at depth of 0 - 30 cm and 30 - 60 cm, corresponding the main root zone of fruit trees. The orchards are in their productive phase and regularly treated with copper-containing pesticides, as well as mineral and organic fertilizers. The study aimed to assess whether copper accumulation originates from anthropogenic activities or lithological composition. To interpret copper distribution, soil texture and chemical properties (pH, carbonate content, humus, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, available P2O5 and K2O) were analyzed. Results show heterogeneous soil texture, with physical sand fractions dominating the topsoil and physical clay fractions prevailing at deeper layers. Copper concentrations were consistently higher in the topsoil (average 45.33 mg/kg, median 41.6 mg/kg) compared to the subsoil (average 36.31 mg/kg, median 37.7 mg/kg), indicating anthropogenic accumulation. Statistical analyses (correlation, factor analysis, PCA, and cluster analysis) revealed strong associations between copper and clay fractions, phosphorus, humus, and nitrogen, while negative correlations were observed with sand fractions and soil pH. PCA Biplots confirmed that copper distribution is primarily controlled by anthropogenic inputs, with soil texture and chemical properties modulating its bioavailability. Although copper levels remain below the contamination threshold of 100 mg/kg, they exceed WHO’s recommended limit (20-36 mg/kg) in several orchards. These findings highlight the need for careful management of copper-containing agrochemicals to ensure sustainable fruit production and protect soil health. |
| For citation : |
Mitkova, T., Markoski, M., Kiprijanovski, M., Naskovska, M., Minchev, I., Todorovska, M. (2026). Spatial distribution of copper in the soils under orchards in the Kumanovo region. Agriculture and Forestry, 72 (1): 163-181. https://doi:10.17707/AgricultForest.72.1.10 |
| Keywords : |
copper (Cu), soil texture, chemical properties, orchards, copper distribution maps, PCA, cluster analysis. |
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