Soil Geochemistry

A special issue of Geosciences (ISSN 2076-3263). This special issue belongs to the section "Geochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 2820

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Rua Boaventura da Silva 955, Nazaré, Belém 66055-090, PA, Brazil
Interests: soil–sediment relationship; geomorphology; stratigraphy; soil forming processes; soil geochemistry; soil contaminants
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Guest Editor
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Belém 66077-830, Brazil
Interests: contamination and bioavailability of potentially toxic elements in the environment; recovery of soil contaminated by mining; soil fertility and fertilization; plant production
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on examining the chemical characteristics of soil and the processes that influence the distribution and concentration of various elements and compounds across different types of global soils. Key themes include understanding soil formation processes, soil fertility, the relationship between soil and sediment in a watershed context, the impact of geology and geomorphology on soil properties, soil erosion, soil evolution, soil contaminants, and any aspects of soil science that offer insights into environmental changes and land management. This knowledge is essential for sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Dr. José Tasso Felix Guimarães
Dr. Wendel Valter Da Silveira Pereira
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • soil geochemistry
  • soil contamination
  • soil formation processes
  • soil degradation
  • soil–sediment relationship
  • soil erosion

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 1381 KB  
Article
Geochemical and Radiological Characterization of Granitic-Derived Highland Coffee Soils in Chiang Mai, Thailand
by Khemruthai Kheamsiri, Naofumi Akata, Chutima Kranrod, Hirofumi Tazoe, Tarika Thumvijit, Ilsa Rosianna, Haruka Kuwata, Krit Khetanun, Narit Yimyam, Yusuke Unno and Akira Takeda
Geosciences 2026, 16(3), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16030110 - 8 Mar 2026
Viewed by 615
Abstract
Granitic soils in the Highlands support the cultivation of Arabica coffee in northern Thailand; however, their geochemical and radiological properties are inadequately defined. This study examined major oxides, trace elements, natural radionuclides, and extractable phosphorus in granitic-derived coffee soils from the Agricultural Innovation [...] Read more.
Granitic soils in the Highlands support the cultivation of Arabica coffee in northern Thailand; however, their geochemical and radiological properties are inadequately defined. This study examined major oxides, trace elements, natural radionuclides, and extractable phosphorus in granitic-derived coffee soils from the Agricultural Innovation Research, Integration, Demonstration, and Training Center (AIRID) in Chiang Mai. Twenty soil samples were obtained from 10 locations at two depth intervals (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm). Major and trace elements were analyzed via X-ray fluorescence (XRF), natural radionuclides were analyzed through high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry, and extractable phosphorus was determined using the Bray II method. The soils demonstrate remarkably high 40K activity concentrations (1.2–1.9 kBq kg−1) and increased K2O contents (4.9–7.8 wt%), about three to five times more than worldwide soil averages according to Reimann & de Caritat, indicating enrichment from potassium-rich granitic rocks. Major oxide compositions suggest extensive tropical weathering, characterized by elevated SiO2 (>60 wt%) and Al2O3 (>14 wt%), alongside significant depletion of CaO and MgO (<1 wt%). In topsoil, Bray II–extractable phosphorus constitutes 10–25% of total phosphorus and has a robust positive connection with P2O5 (R2 = 0.95, p < 0.001), signifying surface accumulation and restricted vertical mobility. Multivariate analysis indicates lithogenic grouping of trace elements with negligible vertical redistribution. These findings establish a geochemical and radiological baseline for highland coffee soils in northern Thailand, with implications for soil fertility assessment, soil–plant transfer research, and evaluations of natural radioactive exposure related to coffee production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Geochemistry)
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41 pages, 65993 KB  
Article
Spatial Distribution of Geochemical Anomalies in Soils of River Basins of the Northeastern Caucasus
by Ekaterina Kashirina, Roman Gorbunov, Ibragim Kerimov, Tatiana Gorbunova, Polina Drygval, Ekaterina Chuprina, Aleksandra Nikiforova, Nastasia Lineva, Anna Drygval, Andrey Kelip, Cam Nhung Pham and Nikolai Bratanov
Geosciences 2025, 15(10), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15100380 - 1 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1615
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the spatial distribution of geochemical anomalies of selected potential toxic elements in the soils of the river basins in the Northeastern Caucasus—specifically the Ulluchay, Sulak, and Sunzha Rivers. A concentration of 25 chemical elements was [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to determine the spatial distribution of geochemical anomalies of selected potential toxic elements in the soils of the river basins in the Northeastern Caucasus—specifically the Ulluchay, Sulak, and Sunzha Rivers. A concentration of 25 chemical elements was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Petrogenic elements commonly found in the Earth’s crust (Al, Na, Ca, Fe, Mg) showed high concentrations (Na up to 306,600.70 mg/kg). Conversely, concentrations of Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, and Te at many sampling sites were extremely low, falling below the detection limits of analytical instruments. The geochemical indicators Cf (contamination factor) and Igeo (geoaccumulation index) indicate that the regional characteristics of the territory, such as lithological conditions, hydrochemical schedules, and the history of geological development of the territory, affect the concentration of elements. Anomalous concentrations were found for seven elements (Ba, Na, Zn, Ag, Li, Sc, As), whereas no anomalies were identified for Be, Mg, Al, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Pb, Te, and Cs. For the most part (8 of 10), the sampling sites with anomalous chemical element content are located in the basin of the Sunzha River. Two sites with anomalous chemical element content have been identified in the Sulak River Basin. Anomalous values in the Sulak River Basin are noted for two chemical elements—Ba and Na. Natural features such as geological structure, parent rock composition, vertical climatic zonation, and landscape diversity play a major role in forming geochemical anomalies. The role of anthropogenic factors increases in localized areas near settlements, industrial facilities, and roads. The spatial distribution of geochemical anomalies must be considered in agricultural management, the use of water sources for drinking supply, the development of tourist routes, and comprehensive spatial planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Geochemistry)
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