Phosphorus puts a mortgage on restoration of species‐rich grasslands on former agricultural land

• DOI: 10.1111/rec.13523
• Publication Date: 2021-08-13T03:38:35Z
• Authors: Elias P. Goossens; An De Schrijver; Stephanie Schelfhout; Margot Vanhellemont; Kris Verheyen; Jan Mertens
• Keywords: Restoration Ecology; Topsoil; Agricultural land

Large‐scale biodiversity loss is one of the most urgent global issues. The Convention on Biological Diversity created a vision to ecologically restore ecosystems by 2050. European Union follows this ambition, and member states are required select Special Areas Conservation (SACs) develop restore; example species‐rich semi‐natural grassland. Species‐rich grassland restoration requires time for restoring both abiotic conditions, e.g. low soil phosphorus concentrations, biotic introduction missing species. For 507 grasslands (in northern Belgium) situated in SACs, we calculated needed necessary phosphorus‐poor conditions. Only 11% already met strictest phosphorus‐target. We found that less than fourth other 452 will reach phosphorus‐target 2050 through mowing. P‐mining, more intensive technique involving fertilization nitrogen potassium, could help achieve about slightly third these iron concentration strongly affected times. A total 65% require alternatives like topsoil removal or selection different, ambitious target. These calculations do not include restoration. Because long‐term process, advocate better protection still existing grasslands. Restoration last resort safe‐guarding biodiversity.