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Temporal and Spatial Changes in Soil Quality at Shooting Ranges: A Case Study in Croatia

Author

Listed:
  • Željka Zgorelec

    (Department of General Agronomy, Division for Agroecology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Street 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Nikica Šprem

    (Department of Fisheries, Apiculture, Wildlife Management and Special Zoology, Division for Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Street 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Radovan Abramović

    (Department of Fisheries, Apiculture, Wildlife Management and Special Zoology, Division for Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Street 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Marija Galić

    (Department of General Agronomy, Division for Agroecology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Street 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Iva Hrelja

    (Department of General Agronomy, Division for Agroecology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Street 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Domina Delač

    (Department of General Agronomy, Division for Agroecology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Street 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Toni Safner

    (Department of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biometrics, Division for Plant Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Street 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Ivica Kisić

    (Department of General Agronomy, Division for Agroecology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Street 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

Abstract

In this study, the effect of ammunition on soil quality (physical and chemical indicators) at shooting ranges was investigated at four sites in Croatia. The sites differ in soil type (fluvisols, leptosols and terra rossa) and climatic conditions (Mediterranean and continental). The intensity of shooting range use (calculated from the age of the lane and the average number of targets used per year) and the distance from the shooting range (−40 m to +240 m) were examined in relation to soil chemical composition and soil quality. High contents of Pb and Sb at 100 m from the shooting position were observed in fluvisol and terra rossa soils, and the contamination factors (CFs) ranged from 6 up to 97. The study found high natural soil Cr and Ni content in leptosols and terra rossa due to paedogenic reasons (CFs < 1.3) and soil acidification (a decrease in soil pH KCl ) due to ammunition/target use. Long-term measures for sustainable soil management and environment protection must be taken at shooting ranges to minimise the potential risks to ecosystems, wildlife and human health (an EU strategy).

Suggested Citation

  • Željka Zgorelec & Nikica Šprem & Radovan Abramović & Marija Galić & Iva Hrelja & Domina Delač & Toni Safner & Ivica Kisić, 2025. "Temporal and Spatial Changes in Soil Quality at Shooting Ranges: A Case Study in Croatia," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:1:p:78-:d:1559626
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