Impact of Long-Term Continuous Cropping on Soil Nutrient Depletion

Abstract

Long-term continuous cropping exacerbates nutrient loss and deteriorates soil quality. To achieve high yields and economic gains, continuous farming is often practiced, disregarding soil carrying capacity and degradation. This practice has been prevalent in regions that serve as horticultural centers, supplying vegetables to various areas. This study aims to elucidate the specific impacts of continuous cropping on soil chemical properties, providing new scientific insights into nutrient depletion in highland horticultural regions. By analyzing soil samples from agricultural lands with a history of prolonged continuous cultivation in Bali Province, this research seeks to identify previously unreported patterns of soil chemical property decline. Laboratory analyses quantified essential soil chemical properties based on established soil quality indices. The results revealed significant reductions in key nutrients, with nitrogen levels ranging from 0.10% to 0.38% and phosphorus levels from 1.84 ppm to 5.31 ppm. Additionally, soil properties such as cation exchange capacity (CEC) (20.68-22.23 me 100g⁻¹), base saturation (38.71-47.62%), and organic carbon (1.56-2.96%) exhibited moderate limitations. These findings underscore the susceptibility of soil chemical properties to continuous cropping systems and their adverse effects on agricultural productivity. A limitation of this study is the focus on a single season's soil samples, without accounting for climatic variability, suggesting a need for future time-series analyses. This research uniquely demonstrates the significant nutrient depletion associated with prolonged continuous cultivation. To mitigate these effects, we advocate for crop rotation, incorporation of crop residues into the soil, and the use of organic fertilizers to preserve soil health, sustain long-term agricultural productivity, and maintain environmental balance.

Keywords

• crop rotation
• horticulture
• soil chemical
• monoculture
• soil fertility
• soil quality
• soil degradation
• bali province