Comparison of Chemical Soil Properties of Temperate Grassland and Arable Land—A Review

Chemical soil properties contribute to the resilience of soil ecosystems. Healthy soils with optimal nutrient levels, balanced pH and good organic matter content are better able to withstand environmental stresses, such as drought, disease or pests. When comparing the chemical soil properties of temperate grassland and arable land, several differences can be observed due to differences in soil cover and management. Grasslands typically sequester more carbon, limit nitrogen leaching, and have lower nitrous oxide emissions and losses of phosphorus due to less soil disturbance and a more closed nutrient cycle. In contrast, arable land has higher nutrient losses through harvest, leaching, gaseous emissions and erosion due to regular tillage, frequent bare phases, and sequesters less carbon, typically due to higher mineralisation rates and lower nutrient returns. Monitoring and managing chemical soil properties, appropriate nutrient management, addition of organic matter such as organic fertilisers, inclusion of grassland phases and catch crops in crop rotations, incorporation of crop residues into the topsoil after harvest and further sustainable agricultural practices are essential to promote soil health. By optimising chemical soil properties, farmers and land managers can improve productivity, conserve natural resources and support the long-term sustainability of the soil ecosystem.