Summary
This long-term soil monitoring study evaluates nutrient dynamics in Slovak arable soils using data from the national Soil Monitoring System spanning 1993–2024. The findings reveal that whilst macronutrient content varies widely across sites, available phosphorus and potassium show slight declines over time, magnesium remains stable, and micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Mn) are at medium-to-high levels but also declining slightly. The work provides a baseline for understanding soil fertility trends in Central European arable agriculture.
Regional applicability
The trends observed in Slovak arable soils may reflect similar pressures in UK arable systems, particularly declining available phosphorus and potassium; however, direct applicability depends on soil type, climate, and management practices. The Soil Monitoring System methodology could inform UK soil health surveillance programmes.
Key measures
Available phosphorus (Mehlich III; mg·kg⁻¹), available potassium (mg·kg⁻¹), magnesium (mg·kg⁻¹), copper (DTPA; mg·kg⁻¹), zinc (DTPA; mg·kg⁻¹), manganese (DTPA; mg·kg⁻¹)
Outcomes reported
The study assessed the current state and temporal trends of available phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and manganese across 318 arable soil sites monitored repeatedly over three decades. Results indicate wide variation in nutrient content and mostly declining or stable trends in available macronutrients and micronutrients during the monitoring period.
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