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Continuous decrease in soil organic matter despite increased plant productivity in an 80-years-old phosphorus-addition experiment

Agriculture

Continuous decrease in soil organic matter despite increased plant productivity in an 80-years-old phosphorus-addition experiment

M. Spohn, S. Braun, et al.

This research by Marie Spohn, Sabina Braun, and Carlos A. Sierra dives into the surprising long-term consequences of tillage and phosphorus in agriculture. While crop yields soared, the study reveals a concerning decline in soil organic carbon and phosphorus stocks, highlighting the unsustainable practices leading to soil degradation. Discover how carbon inputs are vanishing faster than expected!

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Playback language: English
Abstract
This study investigated the long-term effects of tillage and phosphorus addition on soil element dynamics in an 80-year-old cropland experiment in Europe. Despite a significant increase in crop yields over the study period, soil total organic carbon (TOC) and total organic phosphorus stocks decreased by 13.7% and 11.6%, respectively, in the uppermost 20 cm of soil. Modeling of the 14C:12C ratio indicated a mean carbon transit time below 10 years, suggesting rapid respiration of carbon inputs. The findings highlight the unsustainable nature of current agricultural practices, leading to continuous soil organic matter depletion despite increased plant productivity.
Publisher
Communications Earth & Environment
Published On
Jul 12, 2023
Authors
Marie Spohn, Sabina Braun, Carlos A. Sierra
Tags
tillage
phosphorus addition
soil organic carbon
crop yields
sustainable agriculture
soil dynamics
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