Soil quality under different agricultural land uses as evaluated by chemical, geochemical and ecological indicators in mountains with high rainfall (Darjeeling Himalayas, India)

Abstract Purpose Agricultural land use associated with intensification in plant growing affects the physicochemical parameters of soils and thus soil quality. The aim this study was to identify quality Peshok catchment Eastern Himalayas under different types (tea, horticulture, rice), high monsoon rainfall conditions. Methods Physical chemical analysis were used, e.g. bulk density, pH, TOC, major trace element content (such as Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr Zn) based on AntonPaar Multiwave 3000 microwave system nitrogen sulphur using CNS Elementar Vario MAX cube analyser. In addition, ecotoxicological analyses performed Microtox test. Soil assessed basis indicators related mobility elements (risk assessment code, individual contamination factor global factor); geochemical (geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor, degree, modified pollution load index improved Nemerow index); ecological (potential risk coefficient potential index). A statistical package Statistica v13 used for analysis. Results Soils analysed are characterised by low contents macro- microelements. It shown that natural factors, such precipitation steep slopes, favour strong leaching from soil, farming systems fertilisation, terracing irrigation not able balance them fully. TOC N well pH determined mainly use. revealed predominantly origins elements. higher Ga indicated a relationship local geology Cu fertilisers. Indicators showed presence elements, ecotoxicity A. fischeri generally acidic tested soils. Low observed most regardless use, residual fraction predominated. Conclusion many can more fully describe relation especially case Moreover, approach helps better understand changes taking place uses mountains rainfall.