Enhanced Organic Carbon Triggers Transformations of Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Secondary Plant Nutrients and Their Dynamics in the Soil under Different Cropping Systems-A Review

Summary

This 2024 narrative review synthesises peer-reviewed literature examining how increases in soil organic carbon trigger transformations in the availability and cycling of plant nutrients—including macronutrients, micronutrients, and secondary nutrients—across diverse cropping systems. The authors examine mechanistic pathways by which organic matter enrichment influences soil nutrient dynamics and plant-available nutrient pools. The review integrates findings across cropping system types to establish patterns in nutrient behaviour under organic carbon enhancement, though specific quantitative findings and regional applicability cannot be confirmed without access to the full text.

Regional applicability

The applicability of this synthesis to United Kingdom farming systems depends on the cropping systems and soil types covered in the review. As this is a narrative review synthesising global literature rather than a primary study, findings are likely transferable to temperate climate arable and mixed farming systems in the UK, particularly regarding mechanistic understanding of soil organic carbon effects on nutrient cycling. However, the regional specificity of individual studies cited will determine practical relevance to UK soil conditions and farming management.

Key measures

Soil organic carbon concentration; macronutrient (N, P, K) availability and cycling; micronutrient (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, B, Mo) transformations; secondary nutrient (S, Ca, Mg) dynamics; nutrient bioavailability across cropping system types

Outcomes reported

This narrative review synthesises peer-reviewed literature on how increases in soil organic carbon trigger transformations in the availability and cycling of macronutrients, micronutrients, and secondary plant nutrients across diverse cropping systems. The authors examine mechanistic pathways linking organic matter enrichment to soil nutrient dynamics and plant-available nutrient pools.

Topic tags