The multi-functionality of grasslands for delivering soil based ecosystem services

摘要

In this study, a land use intensity (LU_i) index was developed for evaluating the effects of management intensity on the capacity of soils to deliver different functions; grass production, water regulation, carbon (C) storage, nutrient cycling and asa home for biodiversity. On 38 grassland sites, representing the main soil types and agro-climatic regions in Ireland, the effects of fertilising, grazing and mowing intensity on soil function capacity were assessed. Increased fertiliser intensity on poorly drained soils was linked to increased soil compaction while changes in water conductivity were more apparent on well drained sites. Lower management intensity resulted in increased C sequestration capacity of these sites regardless of soil type; however, poorly drained soils were more vulnerable to compaction and C loss. Indicators of soil biological quality, such as microbial biomass C and phosphorus, were less sensitive to LIX, however, increased mowing was found to have a negative effect on microbiological abundance and structure, due to large offtakes of C in the grass silage.Overall, the LU; showed a high suitability to evaluate physical, C and biological response to land use intensity across grassland soils in Ireland.