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Matrix: Soil

Soil sampling and analyses

During the 2021 growing season, soil samples were collected from both conventional and organic fields within the ten SPRINT Case Study Sites across Europe. In each field, five subsamples were taken and combined into one composite sample of approximately 2 kilograms. Sampling depth was 0–5 cm for permanent crops and 0–20 cm for arable fields. All soil samples were stored at 20 °C and subsequently sent to RECETOX (Brno, Czech Republic) for pesticide residue analysis.

Pesticide residues were analysed using validated LC–MS/MS and GC–MS/MS multi-residue methods, following EURL (2021) protocols. Dedicated LC–MS/MS methods were applied for glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA. 209 pesticide residues were targeted in all matrices. In soil, it was possible to analyze 192 pesticide residues, covering both approved and non-approved substances as well as transformation products. All analyses followed strict European quality-assurance procedures to ensure reliable and comparable results. 



Each dot in the graph below shows the total pesticide concentration (i.e., the sum of all detected pesticides) for an individual sample. By clicking on each graph, you can view more in-depth information on the most frequently detected pesticides in the samples, including their median concentrations and the analysis results grouped by detection status and regulatory category.

For visualization, the Y-axis was plotted on a log scale, but all values represent the original measurements.

Relevant Publication: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c09059