The soil transforming effect of Székesfehérvár over seven years

Abstract

In addition to industrial production, our living environment has the most significant impact on the condition of soils. The concept of urban and anthropogenic soils has occupied the scientific world for decades, and is now treated as an independent soil category. However, it is not enough to describe the processes that shape anthropogenic soils, they must also be monitored regularly. In the human environment changes occur much faster, and these soils can show a radically different picture even in a matter of years. The University of Sopron was the first to deal with urban soils in Western Hungary, and within the framework of this research, a study covering the entire area of Székesfehérvár was completed between March and June 2011, during which we got an idea of the state of the city's soils. In July 2018, we sampled the soils at designated monitoring points again and evaluated them based on their basic properties. We primarily examined their pH with potassium chloride and water, their carbonated lime content and their physical properties. By comparing with the results of seven years earlier and taking into account the changes of the city during this time, we attempted to estimate the change of the properties over time. For the evaluations, we were able to determine the spatial pattern of the soil properties with GIS programs (Google maps, QGIS), and we made it more precise by recording and representing the developments to estimate the changes. Even in such a short period of time, the city was able to significantly reshape the soil conditions in the most active zones. Over the course of seven years, we could observe changes mainly in the physical characteristics of the city's soil. We have experienced a shift towards soils with a higher sand content, which can be a positive change in the city from the point of view of managing the effects of excess water, but can also cause difficulties during periods of increased drought.