Depleting soil nutrients through frequency and timing of hay cutting on floodplain meadows for habitat restoration and nutrient neutrality

Floodplain meadows support a high level of botanical diversity because the nutrient inputs from flood sediments are balanced by offtake via an annual hay harvest, leading to neutrality. This prevents build-up nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) depletes excess nutrients, which mitigates eutrophication in catchment areas reductions biodiversity through competitive exclusion. A replicated field trial was undertaken floodplain central England, with aim comparing potential throughout growing season single or double-cut system, determining when haymaking should occur maximise nutritional value hay. Additionally, farmer perspectives were gathered investigate practicality implementing second cut. The results revealed that summer cut may be sufficient balance inputs. However, double-cut, where harvest replaces autumn grazing, has actively lower N P levels, removing 8.69 g m−2 0.80 P. Maximising time between cuts system provides greatest opportunity for removal. Temperature is key driver plant growth. relationship accumulated thermal calendar date England advanced around two weeks 1961–1990 1991–2020. Delayed cutting under agri-environment scheme restrictions increasingly detrimental advancing seasons, due removal single-cut increased Taking first at mid-summer peak potential, currently 20–30 June offers deplete nutrients. Whilst farmers identify practical financial concerns make prohibitive some cases, this could overcome by, e.g., demonstrating higher-than-expected