Case Studies:Case study 30

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The disposal of waste in deepened soils in Scotland, the Netherlands and Denmark
G. Dercon, D. A. Davidson, K. Dalsgaard, T. Spek and I. Simpson

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Abstract
This research investigates the cultural records that are retained in anthrosols and their importance in soil protection strategies. Within the study areas of Scotland, the Netherlands and Denmark sites with different land uses were selected, such as pasture, arable land and woodland. Soil profiles were dug, described and precise samples taken for particle size distribution, standard soil analysis such as pH, Loss On Ignition (LOI), Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC), Base Saturation (BS), and more specific analysis, such as Total Phosphate (P), some micro elements (Pb, Zn, Cu, As) and molecular biomarkers.

The uniformity of the anthropedogenic horizons regarding particle size fractions can be observed, which was expected as the anthrosols are located on similar sandy poor parent material. Other characteristics could also be considered uniform, such as LOI, Total P and ECEC. However, pH and BS were less uniform. The deepening of the anthropedogenic horizons is due to a combination of processes including disposal of urban waste, aeolian inputs, turf materials. Such soils are thus very distinctive from cultural and scientific standpoints. High fertility of these soils today due to the inputs in the past has caused modern ‘mining’ of this cultural resource. However, as the Anthrosols are often at the border of fast growing villages and towns, the building industry is probably a more important danger to be taken into account.

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Keywords: Anthrosols, Scotland, The Netherlands, Denmark, particle size distribution, pH, Loss On Ignition, Effective Cation Exchange Capacity, Base Saturation, Total Phosphate

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