Zinc in European topsoils metadata

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Map overview

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Full name:

Zinc concentrations in EU topsoils

Version:

Organization or Author:

ESDAC - JRC

Abstract:

Zinc (Zn) is essential to sustain crop production and human health, while it can be toxic when present in excess. JRC applied a machine learning model on 21,682 soil samples from the LUCAS 2009 database to assess the spatial distribution in Europe of topsoil Zn concentrations measured by aqua regia extraction, and to identify the influence of natural drivers and anthropogenic sources on topsoil Zn concentrations. As a result, a map was produced showing topsoil Zn concentrations in Europe at a resolution of 250 m. The mean predicted Zn concentration in Europe was 41 mg kg−1, with a root mean squared error of around 40 mg kg−1 calculated for independent soil samples. They identified clay content as the most important factor explaining the overall distribution of soil Zn in Europe, with lower Zn concentrations in coarser soils. Next to texture, low Zn concentrations were found in soils with low pH (e.g. Podzols), as well as in soils with pH above 8 (i.e., Calcisols). The presence of deposits and mining activities mainly explained the occurrence of relatively high Zn concentrations above 167 mg kg−1 (the one percentile highest concentrations) within 10 km from these sites. In addition, the relatively higher Zn levels found in grasslands in regions with high livestock density may point to manure as a significant source of Zn in these soils. The map developed in this study can be used as a reference to assess the eco-toxicological risks associated with soil Zn concentrations in Europe and areas with Zn deficiency. In addition, it can provide a baseline for future policies in the context of pollution, soil health, human health, and crop nutrition.

Service location:

esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu

Geographical Coverage:

Continental - Europe

GIS Data Type:

Raster

Spatial resolution:

250 m (250 x 250 m pixel)

Publication date:

2023-06-16

Reference period-start:

2009-??-??

Reference period-stop

2009-??-??

License:

LICENCE LUCAS SOIL DATA

Key Soil Properties:

Zinc

Soil deph coverage (cm):

Up to 20 cm

Soil Functions:

Soil Threats:

Citation:

Van Eynde, E., Fendrich, A. N., Ballabio, C., & Panagos, P. 2023. Spatial assessment of topsoil zinc concentrations in Europe. Science of The Total Environment, 892, 164512.

Soil parameters overview

More information on the model at the following link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969723031339

Soil Parameter name	Unit of measurement	Description
Zinc_concentration_0_20_cm	mg/kg	Zn concentrations (mg kg-1) in European Topsoils (250m resolution)