Changes and Interactions between Grassland Ecosystem Soil and Plant Properties under Long-Term Mineral Fertilization

Abstract

Grasslands intensification by use of mineral fertilization has contributed substantially to the increase in forage production. Intensification, however, can degrade the other beneficial functions or soil properties. The effects of mineral fertilization on soil and plant chemical qualities of a permanent wet grassland (Festucetum pratense association) were investigated in Slovakia. The grassland was treated using 3 different N, P, and K rates of mineral fertilizers in kg. ha−1. yr−1 plus the Control (0NPK) almost over 60-year period (1961–2017). The N, P, and K rates in low NPK treatment (LNPK) were N50, P15.4, and K 41.5, in the medium NPK treatment (MNPK) were N100, P30.8, and K83, and in the high NPK treatment (HNPK) were N200, P 61.6, and K 166, respectively. Overall, soil variables (pH, soil organic carbon, plant-available K) showed the most significant changes. A more balanced development was observed in case of soil total nitrogen, C:N ratio, and plant-available P. ANOVA revealed a significant effect between treatments only on plant-available P. In the case of plant functional group development, long-term mineral addition significantly disfavors legumes and forbs. However, analyses of the botanical composition over the last 5 years showed that legume cover significantly differs only in the HNPK treatment. Plant C:P, N:P, and N:K ratios were significantly reduced when fertilizers were added. In terms of grasslands yields, the highest biomass and content of macronutrients were obtained under the HNPK rates. However, with regard to the quality and quantity of the soil organic matter, the most appropriate treatment has been with the MNPK rates. Our findings demonstrate that medium fertilization seems to be an acceptable compromise to meet both productivity and environmental aspects and to connect ecological benefits with social benefits in the long term.

Journal of Water and Land Development

“…With regard to the discussed factors of grassland degradation, it should be emphasised that studies conducted by various authors prove that there is a positive relationship between the SOC content in grassland soils and their pH [KARABCOVÁ et al 2015], the state of humidity [KERR, OCHSNER 2020;TIAN et al 2016], and the level of fertilisation [VARGOVÁ et al 2020].…”

Organic carbon content in grassland soil in Poland

“…With regard to the discussed factors of grassland degradation, it should be emphasized that studies conducted by various authors prove that there is a positive relationship between the Corg content in grassland soils and their pH [46], the state of humidity [47,48], and the level of fertilization [49].…”

Effects of Management Practices on Soil Properties and Plant Nutrition in Hay Meadows in Picos de Europa

“…Messiga et al [15] found that phosphorus in the soil was increased by the application of P fertilizers, and soil pH was decreased by N application, which also affected the availability of exchangeable cations, while total carbon was not affected by either N or P fertilization. In a long-term experiment in a wet grassland under different NPK fertilization treatments [16], the results showed that land use was more important in soil acidification than fertilizers themselves. According to the same study, organic soil carbon and available K fluctuated substantially according to fertilizer rates, while total nitrogen, C:N ratio and available P showed less dramatic changes.…”