Environmental research and evaluation of agricultural soil of the Arta plain, western Hellas

• Mapping soil properties in alluvial soil of the Arta plain (western Hellas) using GIS
• Clay minerals, organic matter, CaCO3 control mobility of metals in agricultural soil
• Chloride and conductivity values are evidence of sea water intrusion affecting the productivity of agricultural soil.

Soil and soil geochemical maps are powerful tools for cultivated land evaluation, agriculture management, environmental protection and land development. In this study, soil physico-chemical properties were mapped and evaluated in the Arta plain (western Hellas), including: soil texture, water extractable ions (Ca2 +, Mg2 +, Cl−, Na+, K+, SO42 −, NO3−), exchangeable ions (Ca2 +, Mg2 +, Na+, K+), aqua-regia extractable elements (Co, Cr, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn and V), calcium carbonate, organic matter, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), soil moisture, pH, and electrical conductivity.The main natural factor controlling the chemical composition of agricultural soil of the study area is the mafic–ultramafic rocks, as recorded by the elevated Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn concentrations. However, their mobility is reduced by the high clay and organic matter contents in the agricultural soil as well as the strong buffering capacity of carbonates. Another natural factor influencing the suitability of the Arta plain alluvial soil for agricultural use is sea water intrusion, as recorded by the elevated concentrations of water exchangeable Ca2 +, Cl− and Na+. The spatial distribution of the water exchangeable Cl− concentrations and electrical conductivity values in the agricultural soil shows that sea water intrusion is responsible for its elevated salt contents in the coastal area. These areas, with elevated amounts of water-soluble salts, are not suitable for agricultural use since they inhibit plant growth and seed germination.