Pedology Unit Research Topics

PhD research topic: ’Examination of the effects of asbestos fibres in water-soil-plant systems’.

Relationship between plant nutrition and produce quality

In the framework of this research project we investigate the effect of macro- and micro element nutrition on the yield and quality of numerous field crops. We put special emphasis on the produce quality and baking value of wheat. In many agricultural area of the country trace element deficiency occur that hinder yield and quality. Sometimes soil amelioration e.g. liming induce trace element deficiency. Applying harmonic plant nutrition, trace element supplementation and by the using of proper chemical form fertilisers the produce quality can be improved.

Heavy metal pollution of soils and plants

Due to pollution or the chemical properties of soils plants sometime accumulate such amount of certain trace elements or heavy metals that may exceed the limits of human or animal consumption. By purposive plant nutrition, the deliberate application of antagonisms (e.g. Zn-Cd) we could keep the chemical composition of plants between the accepted limits.

Secondary raw material plant nutrients

As a result of human activity more and more wastes are formed. The solution of rational use of wastes is one the most urgent task of human societies. There are many alternatives for handling wastes but the most rational ones are those technologies that are able to turn the wastes into new utilisable products. In our experiments we used chemically clean microelectronic wastes and transformed them into different trace element fertilisers. We study the application possibilities of these fertilisers at different crop species and by using zeolites produce slow release fertilisers.

Sulphur nutrition of wheat

Due to the widespread use of high analysis fertilisers and the stringent environmental laws the sulphur nutrition of cultivated plants may become poor especially in soils with low sulphur supply. In a more year long experiment we study the effect of sulphur nutrition and application of different chemical forms of sulphur on the yield and quality of winter wheat and certain microbiological aspects of the sulphur cycle in the soil.

Soil compaction studies

By penetrometer studies we surveyed the compaction status of the soils of West-Transdanubian Region, Hungary and in soil cultivation experiments investigated the relationship between sugar beet growing and soil compaction.