Summary
Van Eynde et al. (2023) conducted a continental-scale spatial assessment of topsoil zinc concentrations across Europe, producing a reference map to identify regions with elevated or deficient levels. The work highlights livestock manure as a significant contributor to soil zinc in grassland-dominated regions with high livestock density. The resulting map provides evidence-based context for evaluating ecotoxicological risks, soil health status, crop nutritional adequacy, and human dietary zinc exposure across European territories.
Regional applicability
As part of the European assessment, this map includes UK data and provides a baseline for evaluating soil zinc status in UK grasslands, particularly in regions with intensive livestock production. The findings are directly applicable to UK soil health policy, crop nutrition planning, and assessment of potential zinc-related ecotoxicological or deficiency risks in British agricultural systems.
Key measures
Topsoil zinc concentrations (mg/kg or similar units); spatial distribution patterns; proximity to intensive livestock sites; regional variation across European grasslands
Outcomes reported
The study quantified topsoil zinc concentrations across Europe and developed a spatial reference map identifying regions with elevated or deficient zinc levels. The research examined livestock manure as a significant source of soil zinc in grassland systems across high-density farming regions.
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