The structure of the land covering of Zutica Forest, Croatia

This paper presents pedological research in Žutica forest in northern Croatia. The most common soil types found in this area belong to the hydromorphic class (Pseudogley, pseudo- gley-gley, eugley, fluvisol) except technogenic soils formed as a result of intensive oil exploitation. Some main chemical and physical characteristics of soils are given. For forest productivity the most productive combination of soils are hypogley and pseudogley-gleysol and minimal productivity is in heavy amphygleic soils. An increase of heavy metals occurs in flooded soils in Žutica from nearby agricultural land. A high concentration of active phosphorus,and nitrogen can verify the influence of field fertilisers on the forest. Levels of cadmium found in technogenic soils exceed the permitted concentration. A large amount of CaCO3 in relation to natural forest soils can be found in technogenic soils because of quick lime disposal after oil spills and also pH increase and a nutrition and humus decrease.