INTEGRATED ANALYSIS OF SOIL FERTILITY, BONITATION SCORES, AND CROP SUITABILITY IN THE PERIAM–SÂNNICOLAU MARE AREA

Abstract

This study presents an integrated evaluation of soil fertility, bonitation scores, and crop suitability in two representative agricultural localities from the Western Romanian Plain: Periam and Sânnicolau Mare (Timiș County). In Periam, representative soil profiles were analyzed at two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm), and laboratory determinations focused on key agrochemical parameters (pH, humus, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium), physical properties (bulk density, texture), and hydrophysical indicators. Data from Sânnicolau Mare were integrated comparatively based on regional pedological reports and scientific literature. Results highlighted the predominance of chernozems in both localities, accompanied by gleysols in poorly drained microdepression areas, where lower pH values and higher bulk density were recorded.
Statistical analyses revealed significant relationships between pH, humus, and nutrient availability, emphasizing the role of organic matter and water regime in determining the actual fertility of soils. PCA clearly differentiated samples by soil type and locality, confirming the superior fertility of well-drained chernozems in Sânnicolau Mare compared to those in Periam. Bonitation scores placed the soils predominantly in quality classes II–III, with potential decreases to class III–IV in gleysols affected by temporary water excess. Applying ameliorative practices (drainage, deep loosening, liming, legume-based rotations) may increase bonitation scores by 5–10 points, thus improving productive capacity.
Overall, the study provides a robust scientific basis for adopting sustainable land management practices, demonstrating that combining pedological analyses with bonitation evaluation and modern statistical tools is an effective approach for optimizing agricultural land use in the Western Romanian Plain.