Status, trends and possibilities to increase the fertility of agricultural land in the Vojvodina Province

The aim of this research is to monitor the quality of 1,600 representative soil samples taken on the territory of the Vojvodina Province (a grid of 4 x 4 km squares). Soil quality will be assessed in terms of reducing risks and creating conditions conducive to the production of high-value and safe food, and changes in the quality and characteristics of soil between 1992 and today will be estimated. Each sample will be accompanied by an information sheet containing its exact geographic position using the GPS (Global Positioning System) technology. The samples from 20% of previously specified sites will be analyzed for water and physical soil properties. The other samples will be analyzed for fertility parameters and contents of hazardous and harmful substances in the soil (organic and inorganic contaminants). Maps will be made for graphic representation of the current soil fertility status and contents of hazardous and harmful materials. These maps will serve as a basis for making recommendation for optimal zoning of agricultural crop production. The obtained research results will serve to develop appropriate production models and to determine measures for production technology improvement and soil fertility increase, all aimed at the improvement of productivity of soil and plants and reduction of negative effects on the environment. Other important aspects of this project are efforts aimed at the reduction of production costs and increase of yields and profit.