Majorca Soil Nutrients: Spatio-Temporal Changes in Agricultural Soil Over the Last 11 Years
This study investigates the temporal dynamics of soil nutrient stocks, specifically nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), on Majorca Island (Spain). The present study analysed the impact of agricultural practices, land-use transformations, and climate fluctuations on soil nutrient profiles (0-25 cm) over 11 years (2006–2017) in agricultural soils. 108 soil samples were collected on the island in 2017 and compared with the previous sampling done in 2006. The same laboratory analyses methodology was used on both samplings (Kjeldahl method to evaluate soil N, Olsen method to calculate available P and exchangeable K content employing ammonium acetate). The results indicated a significant increase of approximately 10% in N levels, which highlights the critical role of organic matter accumulation and targeted management strategies in enhancing soil fertility. In contrast, P levels dropped, which can be attributed to enhanced soil erosion due to frequent flooding events and inefficient P fertiliser application in agricultural settings. K levels remained relatively stable, with slight variations influenced by soil texture and specific management practices. This research underscores the complex interplay among human activity, land use, and environmental factors in shaping soil nutrient composition. It further elucidates the weak spatial dependence observed in the soil nutrients of Majorca, influenced by crop variability, different agricultural treatments, and human intervention. Nutrient stock predictions were tailored to the land-use categories following traditional statistical approaches. Finally, the study calls for the adoption of sustainable agricultural methods to mitigate adverse effects on soil nutrient reserves and to enhance soil ecosystem health. With an in-depth analysis of temporal shifts and spatial variability, this research provides crucial insights into soil nutrient stock dynamics by offering guidance for strategic land management and conservation in Mediterranean agricultural environments.
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This works is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors
Zhao, R.,Gabriel, J.L.,Pro, J.,Roca-Perez, L.,Boluda, R.,Ramos-Miras, J.J.,Martín-Dacal, M.,Nanos, N.,Delgado, M.M.,Lázaro, A.,Teghe Kum, C.,Soleimanipour, S.S.,Takoutsing, B.,Rodríguez Martín, J.A.
Publication year
2025
