Spatio-Temporal Variation In Soil Quality And Its Effect On Plant Growth

Abstract

Increasing urbanization and industrialization cause soil contamination, affecting agricultural production and the quality of ground and surface water. The present study was performed in residential, industrial, and commercial zones to analyze the effects of spatio-temporal changes in soil properties during the plant's root, shoot, and height growth. Sixteen soil samples were collected from each zone. An ornamental plant (Salvia scutellarioides) was used in all soil samples. Soil properties were measured at five different periods in 60 days. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. On day 0, soils were suitable for plant growth. On day 60, moisture content, porosity, organic matter, Cl, K, and C/N ratio were decreased. The declination of these parameters was greater in industrial soil compared to other soil types. Overall, in industrial soil, plant height decreased by up to 61% compared to residential and 76% compared to commercial. Furthermore, the study revealed that significant anthropogenic load influenced soil quality, which affects plant growth in different soil types.