The Impact of Land Use Changes and Agricultural Practices on Phosphorus Cycling: A Review

Abstract

Changes in land use and agricultural management techniques have a significant impact on soil phosphorus (P), which is essential for crop yield and ecosystem health. This review summarizes recent studies on the effects of land-use changes, including intensive farming, urbanization, and deforestation, on soil P dynamics. Therefore, we thoroughly investigated the physical, chemical, and biological interactions within the soil matrix, as well as the processes and mechanisms that control P availability. P retention, mobility, and losses through leaching, erosion, and runoff were investigated with respect to changes in soil characteristics caused by agricultural activities such as fertilization, tillage, and irrigation. Additionally, the function of soil microbes in P cycling and how they react to land use modifications is well discussed. Regulatory frameworks governing P management are also compared, with an emphasis on the effects of P surplus and depletion on the environment. Conclusively, to maximize P use efficiency, minimize nutrient losses, and improve soil fertility while lowering environmental hazards, we concluded that further improvement of sustainable agricultural techniques, such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and precision fertilization, is necessary. This study offers a thorough understanding of the P cycle to improve nutrient management and promote sustainable land-use practices in agricultural settings.