CONTENT OF HEAVY METALS IN MEADOW SOILS IN DIFFERENT SEASONS

The content of heavy metals like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) was investigated in the meadow soils in the district of Bochnia in autumn and winter season 2010/2011. The meadows were located at different distances from the road 2 m, 100 m and 200 m. The soils tested showed an average pH of acidic to nearly neutral and humidity in autumn 17.17-29.53 % and in winter season within 24.68-37.59 %. Statistically significant showed differences in the content of Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb between stations in the autumn and winter seasons. In relation to cadmium did not show such dependence. The content of this element (0.6-0.88 ppm) is similar occurred at all stations, regardless of the season. The number and diversity of pedofauna were also analyzed, which was higher in the winter season in the studied meadow soils. It has been found, however, that significant differences in metal content did not affect the abundance of soil fauna at different stations in the studied seasons.