Assessing the phosphorus demand in European agricultural soils based on the Olsen method

Overcoming the consequences of future scarcity P is crucial to ensure agriculture sustainability. This requires decision-making processes depending on data status agricultural fields, commonly conducted with soil tests (SPTs), and efficient use resource a societal scale following circular economy approach. All this will decrease losses subsequent environmental impact. However, SPTs are not universal and, even for given SPT, definition threshold values fertilizer response accurate. work aimed define models predict Olsen values, allowing identification P-responsive sites at European as basis more accurate sustainable fertilization schemes based To end, set was compiled literature review that describes different crops under field conditions. Subsequently, an analysis potential requirements performed soils Union (EU) using LUCAS project how need can be covered Environmental factors were relevant than explain variation in values. A regression model involving pH clay content annual average rainfall independent variables explained 61% variance When only explanatory variables, 49%. reveals take into account related buffer sorption capacity estimate We detected 27.8% EU cropland 42.7% grassland P-responsive. conclude precise allocation possible also most demand could by recycling from manure, wastewater, municipal solid waste.