Physicochemical Properties and Concentration of Metal(oid)s in Soils Used for Different Periods of Time for Sugarcane Cultivation.

Abstract

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties and the concentrations of metal(oid)s in soils with approximately 5, 20 and 40 years of sugarcane cultivation from a locality in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The results showed the metal(oid) concentration order Fe > Cr > V > Pb > Co > Cu > As, with a gradual increase in their concentrations up to 33,834, 76, 67, 59, 32, 22 and 14 mg kg^-1, respectively, after 40 years of sugarcane cultivation. The contamination factor indicated considerable contamination for Co, Cr, Pb and V and very high contamination for Fe in soils subjected to 40 years of sugarcane cultivation. The pollution load index revealed medium pollution in soils with 5 and 20 years of sugarcane cultivation, and moderate pollution in soils with 40 years. The organic matter, organic carbon and total nitrogen contents decreased significantly as the length of sugarcane cultivation increased. These results highlight the need to implement measures for proper agricultural management.