DETECTION OF HEAVY METALS IN SOIL TO DETERMINE PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM LEVELS

Abstract

The presence of heavy metals in the soil can significantly affect the formation of available levels of the main macronutrients, in particular, phosphorus and potassium. This dependence is used in modern technologies for determining the content of phosphorus and potassium in soils, for example, based on the rapid determination of gamma irradiation of K40, U238, Th232, Cs237. These interactions are influenced by several factors, including soil properties, heavy metal concentrations, and plant species. Understanding these interactions is essential for effective soil management, environmental protection, and increasing the productivity of agrophytocenoses. The use of these technologies enables the development of highly sensitive methods for rapid assessment of phosphorus and potassium in soils and for regular soil monitoring to mitigate the negative effects of heavy metals in agrophytocenoses and to ensure balanced nutrient availability for plants.