Articles | Volume 9, issue 2
https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-425-2023
© Author(s) 2023. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-425-2023
© Author(s) 2023. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Original research article
| 
24 Jul 2023
Original research article |
| 24 Jul 2023
| 24 Jul 2023
Back to the future? Conservative grassland management can preserve soil health in the changing landscapes of Uruguay
Integrative Research Institute THESys Transformation of
Human-Environment-Systems Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den
Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
Leonardo R. Ramírez
Integrative Research Institute THESys Transformation of
Human-Environment-Systems Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den
Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
Sarah Tietjen
Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) e.V.,
Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, 14979 Großbeeren, Germany
Marcos Barra
Städtisches Klinikum Dessau, Auenweg 38, 06847
Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
Erick Zagal
Departamento de Suelos y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de
Concepción, Campus Chillán, Vicente Méndez 595, Chillán,
Chile
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Short summary
We analyzed intensification of Uruguayan grasslands in a country-wide survey on fertility proxies, pH and trace metals in topsoils. We observed a loss of nutrients, trace metals and organic matter in grasslands, croplands and timber plantations and accumulation in riverine forests. This raises questions about the carrying capacity of Uruguayan soils with regard to currently implemented intensification strategies and supports more conservative forms of extensive grassland management.
We analyzed intensification of Uruguayan grasslands in a country-wide survey on fertility...
