Soil characterization for the geographical indication of plum brandy in Šumadija, Serbia

Milić, Stanko and Ninkov, Jordana and Jakšić, Darko and Vasin, Jovica and Živanov, Milorad and Banjac, Dušan and Jakšić, Snežana (2026) Soil characterization for the geographical indication of plum brandy in Šumadija, Serbia. In: 15th International congress of the Croatian Society of soil science “Soil Management and Interdisciplinary Approaches to Global Challenges”: book of abstracts, 14–18 September 2026, Vodice, Croatia. Hrvatsko tloznanstveno društvo, Vodice, Croatia, pp. 59-60. ISBN 978-953-58241-2-1

Text Milić, Ninkov, Jakšić D., Vasin, Živanov, Banjac, Jakšić S. - Soil Management and Interdisciplinary Approaches to Global Challenges (2026).pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (442kB)

Abstract

The Šumadija region of central Serbia represents one of the most important traditional areas for plum cultivation and production of plum brandy. This study presents a detailed pedological characterization of soils under plum orchards in as a basis for evaluating their production potential and territorial specificity of the Šumadija region (Central Serbia). A total of 106 soil samples were collected at two depths (0–30 and 30–60 cm) from existing orchards and prospective planting sites (50 sites in total). Analyses included soil reaction, carbonate content, humus, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium, DTPA-extractable Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and water-soluble boron. The soils are predominantly acidic and largely carbonate-free (71% of samples), reflecting advanced leaching processes typical for this hilly landscape. Very low levels of available phosphorus were recorded in 66% of surface and 91% of subsurface samples. Humus, total nitrogen, and available potassium were generally moderate. Micronutrient status was satisfactory for Fe, Mn, and Cu, whereas boron deficiency was identified in approximately 70% of samples, particularly in deeper horizons. Zinc availability decreased with depth but remained less limiting. The results indicate that pedogenetic processes strongly influence nutrient dynamics and vertical distribution of elements. Phosphorus and boron availability represent the principal chemical constraints for plum cultivation. Nevertheless, the region’s pedological diversity and natural conditions provide a strong basis for maintaining product specificity and supporting the geographical indication of plum brandy, provided that site-specific soil management practices are implemented.

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