Distribution of Available Cu and Zn in the Soil Environment of Yunnan Plateau

Abstract

Cu and Zn are the essential trace nutrient elements and the important heavy metal elements. Available Cu and Zn are the parts directly absorbed by plant, but the higher concentration of them would impact the quality of plant product and endanger the human body health. Taking Chinese Herbs Plantation Base of Yunnan Baiyao Group Co.LTD as exemple, this paper analysis the distribution of available Cu, Zn in the southwest mountain soil. The results of 214 soil sampling point data show that the average content of available Cu is 0.69 mg•kg-1, with low and middle grade, and available Zn is 1.65 mg•kg-1, with high and middle grade, belong to the high variability of soil character. The data were interpolated by means of ordinary kringing coupled with a GIS to produce contour distribution maps of aviliable Cu and Zn. Far away from the pollution of production activities, the distribution of soil available Cu, Zn content have better consistency, and are mainly determained by soil parent materials. Terrain undulation on the regional is another impact with higher concentration in the ditch and inlet of reservoir. The highest values were 3.461 and 4.96 mg•kg-1, but they won’t cause environmental pollution.