The content of mineral nitrogen in a 0-30 cm soil layer as an indicator of ecosystem services: А case study of grasslands

Abstract

Nitrogen’s role in agriculture lies in its mineral form, impacting plant availability and potential losses, with soil nitrogen content in grassy areas playing a vital role in ecosystem services like regulation and maintenance. The research aimed to evaluate these services using the mineral nitrogen indicator in the 0-30 cm soil layer, and to establish the link between their biophysical and financial values. This was done considering usage type, soil type, and corn as an alternative feed for ruminants. Services were assessed across 1,540 points in permanent green areas (meadows, pastures, alternating), grass cultivation areas (short-term), and corn fields. The study affirmed the significant contribution of grasslands to ecosystem services, evaluated through the “content of Nmin in a 0-30 cm” soil layer, which exhibited variations based on usage, type, and regional distinctions. The highest biophysical and monetary values of ecosystem services were found in grasslands designated for meadow use, while the lowest accumulation of Nmin in the 0-30 cm layer, thus impacting the scope of environmental services was observed in mineral soils subjected to short-term alternating crop cultivation (55.2 kg⸱ha-1) and corn cultivation (70.9 kg⸱ha-1). Across various usage methods and soil types, the region characterized by intensified livestock production, the Podlaskie Province displayed the highest biophysical and monetary values for grassland ecosystem services compared to the other provinces under study. In contrast, the remaining provinces exhibited comparatively lower values in this regard. The provided monetary value, based on current nitrogen fertilizer costs and grassland/corn extent, can universally gauge ecosystem service worth from fodder plants across farms, regions, and nations