Environment and Resource Management

Soil nutrient build up

Impact

Soil fertility refers to the quantity and balance of soil nutrients available to plants for growth.  Soil nutrients are divided into macro- and micronutrient categories depending on the quantities required by the plant.  Important macronutrients include: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Carbon, Oxygen and Hydrogen.  Important micronutrients include: Boron, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Molybdenum, Zinc, Cobalt, Chlorine and Silicon. 

Suggested indicator: Soil chemistry*

Soil nutrient build-up may be associated with:

Potential associated impacts Suggested indicators
Improved soil fertility and subsequent increase in plant growth
  • Soil chemistry*
  • Ground cover
  • Tree canopy cover & health*
  • Shrub cover*
  • Weed cover*
  • Native vegetation area
  • Vegetation density*
  • Native plant richness*
  • Impacts on native vegetation*
  • Weed species*
  • Pasture species*
Increased soil biota
  •  Soil life*

If soil nutrients build-up to excessive levels:

Potential associated impacts Suggested indicators
Change in soil pH

Heavy metal toxicity adversely affecting vegetation health, resulting in:

  • Reduced vegetation condition;and
  • Reduced ground and canopy cover;
  • Soil chemistry*
  • Ground cover
  • Tree canopy cover & health*
  • Shrub cover*
  • Weed cover*
  • Native vegetation area
  • Vegetation density*
  • Native plant richness*
  • Impacts on native vegetation*
  • Weed species*
  • Pasture species*

Increased potential for soil nutrient leaching following rainfall or irrigation, which may lead to:

  • Soil fertility decline;
  • Soil acidification; and 
  • Reduced water quality due to increased nutrient levels.
  • Soil chemistry*
  • Nitrates in water*
  • Phosphates in water*

*Yet to be developed

Last updated: 27 August 2008

Land Manager's Monitoring Guide

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