Integrated Assessment and Agricultural Planning in Selenium-Rich Hilly Soils: A Case Study on Land Use, Heavy Metal Contamination, and Nutrient Element Distribution

Abstract

The strategic development of selenium-enriched soil cultivation is essential for effective agricultural land management. This research explores the sustainable utilization of selenium-rich soils in Qiongzhong County, Hainan Island. An extensive evaluation was conducted on 7266 surface soil samples, assessing the selenium concentrations, nutrient levels, heavy metals, pH values, and soil organic matter (SOM). In addition, analyses of 70 samples for organochlorine compounds and PAHs were performed. The results indicated average selenium content of 0.46 mg/kg, with 55.2% of the samples surpassing the selenium enrichment threshold of 0.4 mg/kg. According to the GB15618-2018 standards, 127 samples (1.75%) showed medium or high chromium-associated risks. No contamination from organochlorine compounds or PAHs was found, including the 16 priority-controlled PAHs with an average concentration of 30.3 µg/kg, confirming the soil’s high quality. The correlation and factor analysis identified surface enrichment as the main factor influencing selenium accumulation, presenting minimal environmental risks. Consequently, three categories of selenium-rich soil were defined: selenium-rich, pollution-free, and high-nutrient selenium-rich soil. Recommendations based on the soil characteristics and existing agricultural practices were made for the cultivation of selenium-rich vegetables, rubber, and nuts. This study lays a foundation for the sustainable management of selenium-rich soils, providing insights for further research and decision-making to optimize these resources, thus promoting environmental protection and agricultural sustainability.

Keywords

• selenium-rich soil
• heavy metals
• PAHs
• selenium source
• Qiongzhong County
• agricultural planning