Assessing the Role of Phosphorus as a Macropollutant in Four Typical Mediterranean Basin Soils

Available phosphorus (AP) is a key macropollutant predictor of ecosystem services as well crucial indicator soil productivity. Long-term applications this macronutrient and its implications on sustainability in the face peak harvest have raised some concerns recent years. This study aimed to characterise edaphic AP nearly 15,000 ha Mediterranean basin, an agricultural area whose intensification increasing with time. Four typical reference groups (RSG)—Calcisols, Luvisols, Fluvisols Cambisols—were analysed compared for their two different settings—rain-fed irrigation—from 2002 2012, where 1417 1451 topsoil samples were taken, respectively. increased from 2012 irrigated Luvisols (p < = 0.05), 0.01) Cambisols while Calcisols maintained concentrations > 0.05) over For rain-fed soils, did not reveal significant differences time all RSG 0.05). Additionally, presented 9% 68% higher concentrations, respectively, than corresponding RSGs 2012. We provide predictive maps both These results suggest that departing sustainable goals equilibrium; proper management practices counteract anthropogenic pressures should be adopted.