Baseline assessment and comparative analysis of soil properties: A case study from an agricultural research farm in western Ukraine
Abstract
Soil monitoring at the Educational and Research Production Farm “Nauka” of the West Ukrainian National Uni - versity was conducted to establish baseline characteristics of soil quality and evaluate the suitability of soils for agricultural production. The study was based on the assessment of physical, chemical, and biological soil properties in two experimental fields (Fields 7 and 8). Soil samples were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter content, nutrient availability, cation exchange capacity, and the abundance of ecological and functional groups of soil microorganisms. The results showed that both fields were characterised by favourable soil condi - tions for agricultural use. Soil pH values indicated predominantly neutral conditions, with average values of 6.7 in Field 7 and 7.2 in Field 8. Electrical conductivity ranged from 14 to 42 mS/m in Field 7 and from 14 to 29 mS/m in Field 8, confirming the absence of salinity constraints. Organic matter content was stable and reached 3.1% in Field 7 and 3.2% in Field 8, indicating favourable conditions for maintaining soil fertility. Chemical analysis revealed differences in nutrient availability between the fields. Field 7 contained higher concentrations of nitro - gen (7.5 mg/kg), phosphorus (18.6 mg/kg), potassium (133.9 mg/kg), manganese (14.2 mg/kg), and iron (45.7 mg/kg), while Field 8 showed higher calcium (3875.6 mg/kg), magnesium (138.4 mg/kg), and cation exchange capacity (23.3 mg-eq/100 g). The assessment of soil biological activity demonstrated active microbial processes in both fields. The abundance of oligonitrophilic and nitrogen-fixing bacteria reached an average of 2.88 × 10⁷ CFU/g in Field 7 and 2.29 × 10⁷ CFU/g in Field 8. Field 7 generally exhibited higher microbial activity, including greater abundance of phosphate-mobilising bacteria, pedotrophs, and cellulolytic microorganisms, whereas Field 8 showed stable microbial functioning under lower nutrient availability conditions. The obtained results provide baseline information for further soil monitoring and support the development of sustainable soil management strategies for improving fertility and agricultural productivity.