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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

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