Soil nutrient loss

Impact

Soil fertility refers to the quantity and balance of soil nutrients available to plants for growth.  Soil nutrients are divided into macro- and micronutrient categories depending on the quantities required by the plant.  Important macronutrients include: nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen.  Important micronutrients include: boron, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, zinc, cobalt, chlorine and silicon. 

Suggested indicator: Soil chemistry+

Soil nutrient loss may be associated with:

 Potential associated impacts  Suggested indicators+

Reduced soil fertility and subsequent reduction in plant growth, leading to:

  • reduced ground and canopy cover
  • changed vegetation condition
  • invasion of weed species if the reduction in desirable plant species lessens competition for weeds and allows their establishment and/or increase.
Reduced soil biota
  • Soil life

+ Descriptions of indicators (PDF, 76K)* provides a brief description of each indicator including techniques and purpose.

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Last updated 7 September 2010

Land Manager's Monitoring Guide