Geochemistry of Vrbničko Polje (Croatia) winegrowing site

A multi-element pedo-geochemical survey was carried out in Vrbničko polje vineyards on the Krk Island, Croatia. This Mediterranean winegrowing site is famous by Žlahtina wine production. The objectives of this study are (i) to describe characteristics of the site related to climate, topography, geology, soil and geochemistry and (ii) to integrate data on soil quality using GIS which can be applied with management information systems Two soil profiles were excavated and examined, and dominant soil type was determined, as well as physical and chemical characteristics of soil. Topsoil (0-30 cm) and subsoil (30-60 cm) samples were collected from 26 locations inside the site. Total metal contents (Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, S, V, Zn) were determined using ICP-OES after aqua regia extraction. A geospatial database was compiled in GIS, and after applying statistics and geostatistisc, the maps of trace metals distribution have been produced. Accumulation of copper in soil, determined in this research, is the most common effect of continuing fertilization and protection against diseases and pests in vineyards. High nickel and chromium concentrations seem to be of the geogenic origin. Associations of heavy metals with the selected soil properties explain the preferential feature of metal retention in soil.