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The results of a survey carried out inside the salt basins of the Comacchio Saline (Province of Ferrara, Italy) are reported, occasionally affected by the formation of numerous submerged circular shapes of approximately two meters in diameter and whose crowns quickly tend to darken. A rare phenomenon that has so far only been reported in China in the Shanghai swamps, which have been called "fairy circles". The coordination of pedological and microbiological investigations on soils that are permanently submerged (Typic Sulfiwassents) or occasionally emerged (Aeric Sulfiwassents) has highlighted how the formation of the "fairy circles" of the Comacchio salt pans can be attributed to concomitant exogenous conditions (increase in temperatures and salinity of water) and endogenous (gas emissions of methane and sulfur dioxide), which is followed by intense bacterial activity and proliferation of microalgae which explain the darkening of the crowns. It was also possible to highlight a different distribution of bacteria along the profiles with dominance of methanogens in the epipedon and of sulfur reducers below it.

Land capability and suitability maps are useful tools for soil resource conservation. This study aimed to build land capability and suitability maps using a multi-thematic approach by GIS in a salt-affected coastal area of Italy. Topographic, morphological, geological, pedological delineations and land cover maps, remote sensing image and climate data were acquired and the main physical and chemical properties, including electrical conductivity (EC) and available water capacity, were analysed on the soil samples collected in the study area. The acquired information were elaborated through QGIS software to obtain the land capability and suitability maps. The suitability map showed that most of the area (80%) is suitable for cultivation and, therefore, can be addressed for agricultural purposes without risk of degradation. In fact, the land capability map showed that 42% of the investigated area belongs to class I and II indicating that they can be used for a wide range of cultivations. While 44% of the investigated area clustered in class III and IV. In these latter the cultivation should be allowed to a limited range of crops due to the high sand content, which does not allow a good water retention, and due to a strong intrusion of sea water with consequent increase of the soil EC. In our study area, where agricultural productivity and environmental impact are in conflict, to classify the lands on base the land capability and suitability could help to define the best agricultural practices to apply in order to preserve soil functions.

Forest soils represent an important terrestrial organic carbon sink and the management practices could affect this C pool. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of a forest restoration on the quantity and quality of the soil organic C (SOC). Since the widespread distribution of European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) trees in European temperate forests, a 15 years old chestnut forest for timber production was selected on Northern Apennine chain (Italy) which was established on a clear–cut old chestnut stand. The soil sampling was performed in November 2004 (t0, before grafting), 2008 (t1) and 2019 (t2) through the digging of minipits down to 10 – 30 cm. In each minipit the surface and subsurface horizons were sampled and analysed for the determination of the total organic C content (TOC), and the C of fulvic acids (FA–C), humic acids (HA–C), humin (humin–C) and non–humic substances. Then, the total organic C stock (OCstock), the humification index (HI) and the humification rate (HR) were calculated. From t0 to t2 the mean thickness of subsurface horizon increased likely due both to the tree roots development and to the increased canopy cover due to tree growth which probably reduced the soil erosion. Generally, both TOC content and OCstock did not change over time. The FA–C and HA–C concentrations, instead, more sensitive to the change of management practises, generally reduced over time. This trend was also confirmed by the decline of HR. The humin–C content increased indicating an accumulation of the most recalcitrant SOC pool over time. Hence, the restoration of chestnut stands in mountainous areas, beyond to be a valid economic practice, has beneficial effects on the soil capacity to storage stable C.

Pedodiversity is considered the cornerstone of biodiversity. This work aimed to (1) assess pedodiversity according to vegetation, topographic factors, and lithology and to (2) identify the major soil-forming factors on soil organic matter (SOM) stock at a 0–30 cm depth. These goals were reached using data from 147 georeferenced soil profiles distributed along 400–1000 m (≤1000) and 1000–2134 m (>1000) altitudinal gradients in the northern part of the Apennine chain in Italy. Soils showed mainly weak or incipient development (i.e., Entisols and Inceptisols), which could be attributed to sand-based lithology, high slope gradients, and low SOM accumulation rates, which promote soil erosion processes. However, higher pedodiversity was observed at >1000 m than at ≤1000 m, likely due to the higher vegetation cover diversity and climate variability; Spodosols and Mollisols were also found. A greater SOM stock was found at >1000 than ≤1000 m, and vegetation seemed to not affect SOM amounts, suggesting a greater influence of climate on SOM content compared to vegetation. Considering ecosystem conservation, the observed spatial pedodiversity could be considered a critical basis for the protection of soil resources and pedodiversity itself in mountain regions.

Abstract The effects of peat burning on organic‐rich agricultural soils of the Mezzano Lowland (NE Italy) were evaluated on soil profiles variously affected by smoldering. Profiles were investigated for pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, elemental and isotopic composition of distinct carbon (and nitrogen) fractions. The results suggest that the horizons affected by carbon loss lie at depths 10–70 cm, where the highest temperatures are developed. We suggest that the exothermal oxidation of methane (mediated by biological activity) plays a significant role in the triggering mechanism. In the interested soils we estimated a potential loss of Soil Organic Carbon of approximately 110 kg m−2 within the first meter, corresponding to 580 kg CO2 m−3. The released greenhouse gas is coupled with a loss of soil structure and nutrients. Moreover, the process plausibly triggers mobility of metals bound in organometallic complexes. All these consequences negatively affect the environment, the agricultural activities and possibly also health of the local people.

In 2014 a 13-metres long palaeopedological section has been sampled in the courtyard of Sant’Orsola Hospital (Bologna) to make a paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the area and to better understand the environmental dynamics occurring at the Chalcolithic site found at the depth of 5 metres. Pedological horizons have been grouped in 14 Soil Units (SU), 3 of which show a strong blackening. Chronological reference points are the 13230±70 cal. yr BP radiocarbon dated ACkb horizon of SU 10 (the lowest black horizon), the Chalcolithic charcoal horizon of SU 4 (the topmost) and the top-section Roman horizon of SU 1, the latter recognised thanks to some ceramic fragments. The other black horizon didn’t show specific characters on the field.Fossa Cavallina creek is the main driver of local depositional and environmental dynamics, while human presence is a subordinate factor. At first, geomorphological and chemical multianalysis have provided data to understand pedological conditions; secondly, palynological analysis has not only allowed to better characterise the environmental changes and their local drivers, but it also permitted to putatively assign the basal SU 14 to the Bølling interstadial, even though no diagnostic pedological features [AES 7b Vignola Unit’s A-Bw-Bt-Bk-C 2 m-thick reddish dark brown non calcareous Alfisol sensu Martelli et al. (editors), 2009] had been found. These results stress the striking importance of an integrated geomorphological, pedological and palynological approach towards the study of continental pedogenised deposits.

A paleosol has been identified in an area of great natural interest for its geomorphologic and naturalistic aspects between the municipalities of Bagnoregio and Castiglione in Teverina (Viterbo, Italy). This investigation represents the preliminary steps of a study aimed to know the specific environmental features and dynamics prior to the eruptions of the "nenfri" of the Paleovulsini complex. The physico-chemical characteristics and some horizons morphological details such as the presence of roots fingerprint, the polyhedric angular and columnar structure suggest incipient weathering and paedogenesis. Moreover, the presence of nodules and the high salinity of deep horizons suggest the incorporation of pyroclastic material into a hydromorphic environment at the time of the eruptions, putting forward the hypothesis of a paleo-marsh under an arid paleoclimate.

The study of Technosols development, spatial distribution and physicochemical characteristics is becoming more and more important in the Anthropocene Era. The aim of the present study was to assess soil features and potential heavy metal release risk of soils developed on different mine tailing types after the waste disposal derived from mining activity in Central Italy. Soils were analyzed for their morphological, physical and chemical properties, and a chemical sequential extraction of heavy metals was performed. The investigated soils were classified as Technosols toxic having in some layer within 50 cm of the soil surface inorganic materials with high concentrations of toxic elements. Our findings showed that the bioavailability of potentially toxic element concentrations in the soil changed according to the origin of the mine tailing. However, because of the acidic pH, there is a serious risk of metals leaching which was reduced where the soil organic matter content was higher.

More than 80% of the Brazilian population inhabits urban areas. Diffused poverty and the lack of fresh vegetables have generated malnutrition and unbalanced diets. Thus, the interest in growing food locally, in urban allotments and community gardens, has increased. However, urban agriculture may present some risks caused by the urban pollution. Road traffic is considered the biggest source of heavy metals in urban areas. Hence, the objective of the study was the assessment of the accumulation of heavy metals in an urban garden in the city of Recife, at different distances from a road with high traffic burden. The results showed that the distance from the street decreased the accumulation of many potentially toxic elements. Furthermore, the human health risk was estimated, revealing that greater danger was associated with the accumulation of antimony. Concentration of other elements in the leaf tissues were within previously reported thresholds.

Salinity is a major constraint for plant growth in world areas exposed to salinization. Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is a species that has received attention for biomass production in saline areas thanks to drought and salinity tolerance. To improve the knowledge in the mechanisms of salt tolerance and sodium allocation to plant organs, a pot experiment was set up. The experimental design combined three levels of soil salinity (0, 3, and 6 dS m−1) with three levels of water salinity (0, 2–4, and 4–8 dS m−1) and two water regimes: no salt leaching (No SL) and salt leaching (SL). This latter regime was carried out with the same three water salinity levels and resulted in average +81% water supply. High soil salinity associated with high water salinity (HSS-HWS) affected plant growth and final dry weight (DW) to a greater extent in No SL (−87% DW) than SL (−42% DW). Additionally, HSS-HWS determined a stronger decrease in leaf water potential and relative water content under No SL than SL. HSS-HWS with No SL resulted in a higher Na bioaccumulation from soil to plant and in translocation from roots to stem and, finally, leaves, which are the most sensitive organ. Higher water availability (SL), although determining higher salt input when associated with HWS, limited Na bioaccumulation, prevented Na translocation to leaves, and enhanced selective absorption of Ca vs. Na. At plant level, higher Na accumulation was associated with lower Ca and Mg accumulation, especially in No SL. This indicates altered ion homeostasis and cation unbalance.

Douglas fir reforestation plays an important role in Italian forest because no indigenous conifer has similar characteristics of productivity and timber quality. Few studies on physicochemical properties of soils under Douglas fire are noticeable. The aim of this work is to evaluate the organic C stock into soils under Douglas fir plantation in different selected areas. The areas of study are located in the North Apennine (Italy); Corno alle Scale (COR), Vallombrosa (VAL), Mulino Mengoni (MEN), respectively are chosen for the presence of Douglas fir reforestation of 60 years old. Two soil profiles for each area have been open and described. The pH value decreased along the profile depth. The organic C amount in organic layers was higher in Val and Men pedons than that determined in COR one. Higher amount of organic C were detected in organo-mineral horizons of Co pedons, highlighting a rapid turnover of soil organic matter. The C stock calculated in the first 30 cm of soil showed that the higher C amount is stored in highest altitudes profiles (COR6 and VAL6) than the other. The soil are classified as Lithic Dystrudepts in the highest altitudes (COR 6, 7 and VAL 6, 7, respectively) while as Humic Dystrudepts in MEN (4 and 5) pedons. We conclude that no dangerous effects on soil quality of Douglas fir were investigated and they seem to be similar to those of native tree species, even if other different aspects should be investigated.

The hydromorphic and subaqueous soils have largely been overlooked on their pedogenic concepts or in soil C accounting studies considering their phisico-chemical properties. Conversely, little attention has been paid to the microbial activity playing a key role in regulating the biogeochemical cycle of elements. The aim of the study was to evaluate biological properties such as enzyme activities and the functional diversity of soil microbial population as bio- indicators, sensitive to processes affected by the water shallow. Eight soil profiles were opened along two transects: 1) a-a’ North and 2) b-b' South, in a dune ecosystem of the Adriatic coast, Ravenna (Italy). The soil chemical and biochemical properties were determined. In particular, soil enzyme activities and soil induced respiration were measured using the microplates technique in order to assess the microbial functional diversity. The soil biochemical properties such as the potential enzyme activities and microbial induced respiration, as well as microbial functional diversity were sensitive indicators to study hydromorphic and subaqueous soils. A general reduction of hydrolytic enzyme activities was observed in subaqueous soil with respect to hydromorphic one. Moreover, the endopedon of subaqueous soils showed a lower microbial functional diversity than hydromorphic one. In this study the ratio of enzyme activities involved in C to S cycles (SEIC/Aryl) as well as the C:S ratio showed a marked reduction in the subaqueous with respect to hydromorphic soils. In conclusion, in a coastal area the C and S biogeochemical cycles, in the hydromorphic and subaqueous soils, may depend on freshwater and saltwater interface equilibrium.

The introduction of the “subaqueous soils” into the international classification system of the Soil Taxonomy (2010) gives a possibility to soil scientists to use the pedogenetic approach to investigate coastal soils in view of resource protection and valorization. Coastal areas, in fact, are complex and fragile ecosystems whose ecological value is worldwide recognized, but generally highly inhabited and affected by different erosion and pollution phenomena, and flooding problems. The soil science has a great opportunity to contribute to the correct management and protection of coastal soils, by recognizing the value of coastal soils and thus investigating the effect of the water table oscillation and ionic composition to the changes of soil properties and functionality. This work represent a first attempt to describe the soil continuum existing from hydromorphic to subaqueous environment, highlighting the evidence of some pedogenetic processes into subaquatic substrates and demonstrating the high ecological values of these pedons.

Soils are complex matrices and their geochemical investigation necessarily needs reliable Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), i.e. standards, to support analytical precision and accuracy. In particular, the definition of soil multi-element CRMs is particularly complex and involves an inter-laboratory program that employs numerous analytical techniques. In this study, we present the results of the inter-calibration experiment focused on the certification of two new soil standards named AMS-ML1 and AMS-MO1. The two soils developed on sandstone and serpentinite parent materials, respectively. The experiment involved numerous laboratories and focused on the evaluation of soil physicochemical parameters and geochemical analyses of major and trace elements by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Inductive Coupled Plasma techniques (ICP-OES and ICP-MS). The data was statistically elaborated. Three levels of repeatability and accuracy in function of the different analytical methods and instrumentation equipment was observed. The statistical evaluation of the results obtained by ICP-OES on Aqua Regia extracts (i.e., Lilliefors test for normally, Grubbs test for outliers, Cochran test for outliers in variances and ANOVA) allowed to computed some certified values for the two proposed soil standards. This preliminary study will represent the first step of a more thorough intercalibration ring-test involving a higher number of laboratories, in order to propose the investigated matrices as CRMs.

The present work of nanocotoxicity wants to propose a new plant model starting from the rice plant. The model takes into consideration the impact of engineered nanoparticles (Ag, Co, Ni, CeO2, Fe3O4, TiO2) on rice plants that were weakened by infections of Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae bacteria. The results indicate that some NPs increase the rice sensitivity to the pathogen while others decrease the virulence of the pathogen towards rice. No-enrichment in component metal concentration is detected in above organs of rice, with exception of Ni-NPs treatment. An imbalance of major elements in infected rice crops treated with NPs was investigated.

We investigated the topsoil from some mountain Regosols for their nutrient status and loss of fertility due to aggregate breakdown, establishing also the relationship between the nutrient losses, the soil characteristics and the aggregates stability. The aggregate stability varied from 57 to 80%. The nutrient losses differed among elements and varied from 20 to 96%. The availability of nutrients directly influenced the quality of nutrient losses, but did not influence the quantity of nutrients lost. K, Mg and Ca were the most susceptible element to the water abrasion (>85% of their total loss was due to water abrasion). Instead for C, N, and partly P, important loss occurred because of the water saturation alone and their losses were related to the aggregates ruptures due to fast wetting (r=0.98, 0.99 and 0.81, respectively). These findings suggest a high vulnerability to soil fertility losses, and that a great depletion can occur even because of rainfall of low intensity, but sufficient to water saturated the topsoil.We investigated the topsoil from some mountain Regosols for their nutrient status and loss of fertility due to aggregate breakdown, establishing also the relationship between the nutrient losses, the soil characteristics and the aggregates stability. The aggregate stability varied from 57 to 80%. The nutrient losses differed among elements and varied from 20 to 96%. The availability of nutrients directly influenced the quality of nutrient losses, but did not influence the quantity of nutrients lost. K, Mg and Ca were the most susceptible element to the water abrasion (>85% of their total loss was due to water abrasion). Instead for C, N, and partly P, important loss occurred because of the water saturation alone and their losses were related to the aggregates ruptures due to fast wetting (r=0.98, 0.99 and 0.81, respectively). These findings suggest a high vulnerability to soil fertility losses, and that a great depletion can occur even because of rainfall of low intensity, but sufficient to water saturated the topsoil.

For the identification of C pools involved in soil aggregation, a physically-based aggregate fractionation was proposed, and additional pretreatments were used in the measurement of the 1-2 mm aggregate stability in order to elucidate the relevance of the role of soil microorganisms with respect to the different aggregate breakdown mechanisms. The study was carried out on three clay loam Regosols, developed on calcareous shales, known history of organic cultivation.Our results showed that the soil C pool controlling the process of stabilisation of aggregates was related to the microbial community. We identified the resistance to fast wetting as the major mechanism of aggregate stability driven by microorganims. The plausible hypothesis is that organic farming promotes fungi growth, improving water repellency of soil aggregates by fungal hydrophobic substances. By contrast, we failed in the identification of C pools controlling the formation of aggregates, probably because of the disturbance of mechanical tillage which contributes to the breakdown of soil aggregates.The physically-based aggregate fractionation proposed in this study resulted useful in the mechanistically understanding of the role of microorganisms in soil aggregation and it might be suggested for studying the impact of management on C pools, aggregates properties and their relationships in agricultural soils.

The objective of the study was to understand the equilibrium relationship between the heavy metals concentrations in superficial water and pore water. At water-sediment interface, the equilibrium rapidly changed and it is influenced by chemico-physical parameters of aquatic ecosystems. The hydraulic safety of Bologna plain (North Italy) depends on network of artificial canals and they are related with natural rivers of Reno basin (Reno river and its tributaries). The natural and artificial water courses flowed in agricultural, urban and industrial land. The heavy metals concentration in water and sediment discriminated the human pressure on the land and their spatial distribution in sediment could predict the hazard of pollution in aquatic ecosystems. We compared the heavy metals concentrations in pore water and superficial water determined in natural rivers and artificial canals, and more pollution in artificial canals than natural rivers was found. Furthermore, the coefficient of partition (log Kd) between water and sediments was calculated to evaluate the bioavailability of heavy metals adsorbed on the sediments. The heavy metals extracted in deionised water at equilibrium after 16 h showed higher concentrations than those determined directly on water samples.

The aim of this work was to characterize dry atmospheric deposition after the washing of broad leaves and conifer foliage. To assess this method different sites chosen on the basis of different exposure to both point (e.g. waste incinerator plant (WIP), local crafts) and widespread (e.g. roads, agricultural practices) sources of anthropogenic pollution.The principal components analysis (PCA), performed on the major and trace elements identified after leaf washing, extracted four factors. F2 was lithogenic while the other three were anthropogenic. The enrichment factor (EF) highlights that Cd, Cu and Zn had a purely anthropogenic origin. The sites were grouped according to the predominant source of exposure and the synthetic index of enrichment (SIE) showed a decrease as follows: downwind from WIP > max exposure to WIP > min exposure to WIP > road > craft > rural zone.The leaf area allows to calculate the annual flow of elements and the deposition flux in the study area varied for Cd from 0.07 to 0.55 mg m-2, for Co from 0.1 to 0.48 mg m-2, for Cr from 0.63 to 3.7 mg m-2, for Cu from 14.5 to 32.27 mg m-2. The Cd flux in the Bologna area was lower than in some industrial zones of the World and the lowest values were found in the rural zones and under a minimum exposure to the incinerator plant, while the highest values were near the roads and under maximum exposure to the incinerator. The direct analysis of the leaf-washing water allows to discriminate the anthropogenic or geogenic metals deposited on the leaves using multivariate statistical analysis. It is also possible to predict the flow of metals in different areas of investigation.

Nanoparticles (NPs) types diffused into the environment are increasing, giving potential damages to terrestrial ecosystems. In this work we investigated the nanoparticles toxicity as pure metal and two oxides (Co, SnO2 and CeO2) on earthworm survival (Lumbricus rubellus). A concentration of 5000 mg kg-1 dry soil of each NP was compared to the chronic dose of 10 mg kg-1. The interaction between NPs and soil microbial biomass was also studied in 7 days length incubation. No mortality was observed at the end of the experiment, but high concentration of Co was found in the 5000 kg-1 dry soil treated. Despite low solubility of all NPs (solid-liquid partition coefficient > 2.8 log l kg-1) pure metal NPs were (Co) more soluble than the metal oxides nanoparticles (SnO2 and CeO2).

This paper focuses on the use of GIS with historical maps of the Bologna plain. A. Chiesa was entrusted, in 1732, by the Senate of Bologna to create a geographical map of the entire plain, with particular reference to the waterways, in order to provide an overall view and to plan considerable land reclamation. After digital acquisition, the maps were georeferenced in a new two-stage technique, using the international UTM-WGS84 datum. The elements contained in the maps were digitized using different layers: points for settlements, polylines for the waterways and polygons for marshes. A database was created to complete the digital representation. These data were compared with the current hydrographic situation. The main interest is the understanding of the relationships between paleochannels and micromorphology, in order to prevent hydrogeological risk. The study of the A. Chiesa maps is important to understand the evolution of toponyms, to highlight the centuriation and as a decisional support in territorial development plans. The popularization of the digitally obtained layers over a topographic regional map must be carried out using a webGIS application that is accessible and immediately understandable by the general public.

Aim of this work was to assess the impact of the chronic exposure of CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) (50 to 105 nm nominal size) on soil microbial biomass.To evaluate if the CeO2 NPs can affect the soil quality, they were mixed to an A1 and A2 horizon of Epileptic Cambisols at a concentrations of 100 ppm and incubated in lab for short and medium (7 and 60 days) times, at a constant temperature (25°C) and moisture (60% WHC).The preliminary results of the soil physicochemical analyses have showed an insolubility of the CeO2 NPs at short-term incubation in water, EDTA and aqua regia. The biological assays detect a storing of Ce-CeO2 in the microbial biomass at short time that decreases in the C amount. An increment of the basal respiration and a decrease in the amount of carbon soil microbial biomass determined a higher metabolic quotient (qCO2) than the control test, that identifies a stressful situation, most evident in the short term condition.Physical-chemical characterization of the CeO2 NPs and of the soil before and after the NPs addition, was carried out by means of Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) and an Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The investigations showed Ce-NPs and Ce-compounds in both- incubation-condition samples. The control soil showed the presence of cerium associated with other elements, like P, Nd, La, Th e Si. From literature, it appears that these elements identify Monazite-Ce/Nd minerals, whose chemical formulas are respectively (Ce, La, Nd, Th) PO4 and (Nd, Ce, La) (P, Si) O4. The presence of CeO2 NPs was clearly detected in soil and recognized by ESEM morphological observations coupled with EDS characterization. The NPs chemical composition appears unaltered, while the size can be modified by NPs aggregation and clustering.The results contribute to setting reference baseline values of cerium in soil and indicate an impact on the amount of carbon soil microbial biomass due to a higher metabolic quotient (qCO2) that can condition the soil fertility.

The suburban area of Bologna city in southeast portion of Po Valley (Northern Italy) is characterized by high emission from industrial, urban, agriculture and traffic sources. The presence of an urban waste incinerator get inhabitants to require answers about impact of its emissions on the environmental quality related to human health. The concentrations of some pollutants (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were determined in topsoil, plants and mosses tissues sampled in sites selected according to different falling out conditions, due to the incinerator and other sources of atmospheric emissions that affect the monitoring area. No correlation was found between metal content and the distance of the incinerator plant. The pollution load index (PLI) calculated for soil and moss indicated a low environmental pollution, while highest values in sites downwind of incinerator and in craft area indicate a moderate pollution.

In a building site located near the historic centre of the city of Bologna (Italy), archaeological and geopedological studies supplemented by chemical and physical analyses of the soil made it possible to identify 17 pedogenic cycles. These cycles, distributed in a continuous chronosequence from Reinassance period back to the Bronze Age, show a persistent anthropogenic presence as demonstrated by the different distributions of P2O5 and CaCO3, by the concentrations of some elements (Cu, Pb, Sn) and by the presence of fragments of charcoal, brick and ceramics, which overall reach the highest values during the Iron Age (Etruscan and Villanovan). According to the WRB taxonomic system, the soil units of the pedogenetic cycles belong to the groups of Anthrosols, Cambisols and Technosols.

A public property site, situated on an alluvial terrace of the Idice Stream (Emilia Romagna Region-Italy) was contaminated by a layer of waste, constituted by vitrified fly ashes and ceramic materials produced by an incinerator of municipal solid waste. The waste had high contents of heavy metals which exceeded the Italian legal concentration limits for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn (D. Lgs. 152/06, all. 5, tab.1). The in-situ remediation of the area was possible. In this study, alternative materials than the Portland cement were tested for the environmental restoration and the further naturalization of the area. Leaching tests were carried out treating the ashes with different concentrations of hydrated lime (CaOH2) and also with lime at 20% concentration and smectic marlstone. At the end of the leaching test, most of the heavy metals in the waste were immobilized in the waste by the lime/marlstone treatment.

Sr/Ca ratios, and Sr and Nd isotopes, were determined in aqua regia extracts from three urban and agricultural soils from Ravenna. Sr/Ca ratios suggested preferential retention of Sr in the agricultural soils during the weathering of bedrock minerals. Despite of the different land use, the three soils displayed similar isotopic ranges, suggesting common sources for the two elements, likely represented by old marine carbonates and crustal silicates. The Nd isotopes of the urban park topsoil suggest some contamination by the soot of car exhausts.

The aim was to provide a physical-chemical characterization of river and canal network water in the area of expertise of the ex Bonifica Reno-Palata between the Reno river and Torrent Samoggia. The monitoring started in July 2007 and stopped in November 2009. The work consisted in the collection, almost monthly, of the waters that were subjected to chemical and physical analyses, some in situ (temperature and electrical conductivity) and others at the laboratory (pH, nutrient parameters with Hach-Lange’s colorimetric methods, macro and micro elements by ICP-OES). Data from each analysis were processed using statistical software such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Factor Analysis (FA) Cluster Analysis (CA). The results obtained in the three years of sampling show a very complex reality, with many sources of pollution of the surface waters of the canals. These canals, during their course, are unable to abate the load of pollutants present by the process of self-purification. This leads to a deterioration of water quality in the Reno river, the waters not always being suitable for irrigation. Besides, thanks to the multivariate statistical analysis and in particular to the CA, we were able to identify the stations with greater pollution of their surface water.

While monitoring the physico-chemical characteristics, trace elements and O-H-Sr-B isotopic data were obtained in superficial waters from a number of irrigations canals and ditches in the Ravenna coastal plain, in order to highlight the cycling of potentially toxic elements and the different sources of the solutes. Surveys were conducted during March and July 2008, and considered as representative of the waters in winter and summer, respectively. In summer, the water mass balance in the network is mostly controlled by the ingression of freshwaters from the Canale Emiliano Romagnolo (CER). The O-H isotopic data indicated that, in winter, waters are primarily recharged from Apennine catchments and undergo evaporation to different extents.The boron isotopic signature indicates the important role played by the marine component. A major seawater contribution was evidenced in canals close to the coastline; however, the process controlling the origin of dissolved boron is not solely related to direct mixing with sea water but comprises an additional source probably related to water-soil exchanges and boron of marine origin leaching, owing to the prolonged exposure of alluvial sediments to sea water. An additional boron contribution from the agricultural practice was is also evidenced. Calculation based on the conservative behaviour of chloride ions indicated that in canals and ditches not directly connected with the sea up to the 80% of the Sr budget did not originate from seawater, indicating a source from Al-silicate minerals and supporting the hypothesis of significant soil-water interactions and chemical exchanges.The positive correlation between pH and dissolved oxygen in winter waters is likely to reflect CO2 consumption during algal photosynthesis, favouring the in-situ generation of colloidal particles due to the oxidative precipitation of ferric iron oxy-hydroxides and probably small carbonate particles able to adsorb trace metals on their surface and contribute to the ecosystem dynamics facilitating the transport of metals and affecting their bio-availability and cycling. During summer, the input of freshwater from CER lowered the concentration of most ions and became superimposed to the evaporation-precipitation-exchange cycle, possibly dispersing the colloidal particles which could act as pollutant carriers and enhancing flocculation and precipitation, scavenging trace metals into the sediments.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) abundances in top soil and along the soil profiles from areas affected by different anthropogenic inputs were investigated.. The study area is located within the Ravenna Municipality, a complex territorial system highly affected by industrial (a large petrolchemical complex) agricultural activities. Three zones with distinct environmental features were identified: the San Vitale Pinewood affected by atmospheric deposition pollutans from the industrial complex (PW1, PW4, PW6 and PW8 soil profiles); a public garden within the Ravenna city center, mainly affected by traffic pollution (GP1 soil profile); the "Luigi Perdisa" farm located immediately northwards Ravenna was selected due to the use of fertilizers as well as atmospheric deposition (PER2 soil profile). The total concentration of PTEs (Ba, Cr, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn) was determined by X ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and the pseudo-total concentration with aqua regia digestion (AR) and ICP-OES quantification in order to evaluate the extractability of the elements. Results showed a significant increase of some PTEs (Cu, Pb, Zn) in the top soil compared to the pedological substrate. In the Ravenna urban park (GP1 station), Pb and Zn concentrations exceeded the threshold values established by current Italian laws for soils from "public, residential and private areas" (D. Lgs 152/2006). The correlation between top soil and the subsoil highlighted that some PTEs, such as Cu, Pb and Zn, are anthropogenic and they are mainly associated to the deposition of airborne pollutants, whereas other elements (Cr and Ni) are lithologenic.

The loss of soil resources in Italy is particularly evident in the vast plain of the Po River Valley, where urbanisation has led to a progressive depletion of land surface. Built-up areas now cover around 9%, on average, of the total surface area, but in the most densely inhabited communities, lying mainly along the major artery of the Via Emilia, this figure may exceed 20%. The trend shows no signs of relenting, above all because of the demand for large surfaces generated by the tertiary sector. The phenomenon thus needs to be carefully controlled, especially as regards land located near the Po River and its main effluents. The soils in these areas have different pedogenetic and micro-morphological characteristics and support particularly demanding agronomic activities; though the levels of agricultural productivity match the highest levels in Europe, management of the land generally entails the maintenance of efficient water regulation networks. In this context there is a pressing need to investigate the dynamics of changes in land use in relation to soil quality, particularly areas that have undergone urban development.

In the context of the PRIN 2007-2009 project, “Geochemical evaluation of agro-environmental quality in a complex territorial system: the case of Ravenna”, thirteen pedological profiles (nine in a coastal pinewood, two in farmland and two in urban park) were established. The profiles were described, sampled and analyzed so as to obtain an overview of the pedological complexity of the studied areas.Inside the pinewood, the soils were greatly influenced by their topographic location and the vicinity of the superficial aquifer. The deeper layers were Typic Ustipsamments, the more superficial ones Typic Psammaquents and the intermediate ones Aquic Ustipsamments. The two farmland soils were Udifluventic Haplustepts, with slight differences due to the origin of the soil and its use. In the park, both soils were also Udifluventic Haplustepts with a human interfecence evidenced by the abundance of brick fragments in the profiles.

An analysis is made of the land use transformations over the last sixty years, as well as the consequences of these transformations on the naturalness of the territories of three municipalities of the “Nuovo Circondario Imolese” (Bologna, Italy). The selected municipalities are: Medicina, Borgo Tossignano and Castel del Rio, which represent the main territorial aspects of the “Nuovo Circondario Imolese”.The land use transformations are quantified through the GIS comparison of the land use maps of the years 1995, 1976, 1994 and 2003. The corresponding legends are transformed into the five categories of the first level CORINE Land Cover classes. The naturalness increases in the three territories throughout the period 1955-2003, but with different quantitative importance: limited for the territory of Medicina and progressively increasing from Borgo Tossignano to Castel del Rio. Urban areas increase too, but following a gradient opposite to the one concerning naturalness. The land use transformations in the “Nuovo circondario imolese” are similar to the trends reported for the same period in Italy as a whole and in many other European countries. Concerning the effects of land use transformations on the territory naturalness and biodiversity, our results highlight the critical state of the intensively used areas and the marginal areas. Some lines of action for a correct ecological planning of these different situations are suggested.

Landscapes represent the stage setting of the ecosystem, the great theatre where the evolution of the environment, the changing of things and plant and animal life are played out; the diversity of landscapes derives from the combination, over time, of different environmental factors having perceptibly different roles, as in the case of climate, vegetation and human activity. Less perceptible and scarcely known is the role of soil, which has the ability not only to diversify the ecosystem’s landscapes but also to differentiate its level of productivity and liveability. The role of soil as part of the landscape is not always so evident, especially when it is covered by vegetation that precludes observation. At times, however, soils show themselves conspicuously, at least on the surface, when the colours of the epipedons invade the landscape and – in the ploughing season – dominate it. While it may be reassuring to see neatly cultivated fields and crops growing luxuriantly and homogeneously, the increasingly marked and evident signs of soil degradation or erosion are a cause for concern. In the recent past, the relationship between man and soil resources was strongly influenced by natural factors inside and outside the soil itself, socio-economic conditions and above all the labour force, i.e. the people employed in the primary sector; consequently, it was based on such factors that crop-growing choices were adapted to the different ecosystems, resulting in a diversification of rural landscapes. Starting from the second half of the twentieth century, the introduction of chemicals, mechanisation and exploitation of various forms of energy drastically transformed land use in the space of just a few years, with a logic aimed at improving the production capacity of farmland and forest land in both qualitative and quantitative terms. As a consequence, farming choices that were formerly adapted to the natural and socio-economic conditions of different ecosystems are now “imposed” through investments and the use of considerable energy resources, where little account is taken of the actual sustainability of soil use or the progressive loss of natural fertility; moreover, the rural landscape, by virtue of an increasingly intense and localised single-crop specialisation, has become organised into areas displaying a uniform, regular and often monotonous appearance. However, the greatest source of worry lies in the progressive consumption of soil, which particularly affects flatlands and low hills. This phenomenon is tied not only to the relentless expansion of developed areas, but also to an irrational distribution of residential, industrial and commercial property, resulting in the segmentation and fragmentation of farmland. An irreversible trend that risks destroying the already fragile identity of the rural landscape completely.