Aridity and geochemical drivers of soil micronutrient and contaminant availability in <scp>European</scp> drylands

Dryland soils provide different societal and environmental services, such as food supply biodiversity support. In Europe, most of the dryland areas are devoted to agriculture. next decades, both European worldwide drylands expected suffer with increased intensity due climate change-derived rise in aridity. Many studies have focussed on aridity-induced changes major nutrients drylands, but little is known impact biogeochemical factors micronutrients critical roles life, inorganic contaminants ecotoxicological implications. We analysed explored drivers total available concentrations (Co, Cu, Fe, Mo, Mn, Ni Zn) (As, Cd Pb) 148 soil samples collected from covering a wide range aridity other geochemical parameters. The availability their content, decreased pH was enhanced by organic C content. Aridity key element human diet. Our findings also highlight scarcity this micronutrient well some important like Zn Mo agricultural soils. Total content main driver Pb, matter exerted synergistic effects contaminant release. data show need for precise management practices be incentivised policies order ensure avoid contamination, thus maintaining adequate levels productivity simultaneously preserving ecosystems. Highlights Drylands production Europe sensitive change. occurrence metals Union dry influencing them were studied. Some (Fe, scarce while abundant. SOC, clays availability; reduced Fe. Agricultural practises needed nutrient prevent contamination.