Manganese mobility in soils under the impact of alkaline dust emission

Manganese is required by plants for photosynthesis. It is also is a key activator in anumber of critical processes in plant tissues. Moreover, it has been proven that Mn is an essential element for animals and people. Manganese deficiency may occur in soils that are sandy alkaline or calcareous. The objective of the study was to asses the long-term impact of alkaline cement dust, emitted by the Lafarge Cement Plant in Bielawy (Kujawy region) on manganese availability in soils in the vicinity of the source of emission. The mobility of Mn was estimated by DTPA-extraction of soil samples. It was stated that DTPA-extractable Mn was in the range of 0.81-12.07 mg kg 1 i.e. below the recom- mended limits for the proper plant growth. The lowest content was detected in soils adja- cent to the cement plant, with the highest pH due to the most intensive alkaline dust emission. Cement dust acts like a liming substance and affects manganese mobilitv.