An inventory of trace elements inputs to French agricultural soils

The inputs of ten trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) to French agricultural soils have been assessed. The six main sources considered were: pesticides, mineral fertilizers, animal manure, liming materials, sludge and composts and atmospheric deposition. Data were collected to compute inputs at both national and regional (departmental) scales. The inventory methodology is based on two principles: data are traceable and easy to update. At a national scale, the inventory showed that trace elements inputs can be ranked: Zn ≫ Cu ≫ Cr > Pb > Ni > As = Mo > Se > Cd > Hg. Animal manure, mineral fertilizers and pesticides are the predominant sources of TEs. These results are globally in agreement with literature data though atmospheric deposition is shown to be lower than in more industrial countries such as China and United Kingdom where similar surveys were conducted. The inputs of trace elements vary strongly between regions in relation with agricultural activities. This inventory (and the related database) provides basis for developing and monitoring policies to control and reduce trace elements contamination of agricultural soils at both national and regional (departmental) scales.

► We assess sources and inputs of ten trace elements to French agricultural soils. ► Trace elements inputs are ranked: Zn ≫ Cu ≫ Cr > Pb > Ni > As = Mo > Se > Cd > Hg. ► Animal manure, mineral fertilizers and pesticides are the major sources of TEs. ► TEs' inputs reflect the regional specialization of French agricultural activities.