Temporal Dynamics of Soil Erosion and Nutrient Loss in Croatian Orchard: Experimental Insights into Resilience Mechanisms

Abstract

Erosion processes represent one of the most essential degradation problems, resulting in the waste of valuable resources (soil loss) and pollution (loss of elements). This research aims to study the impacts of four treatments (Tillage, Straw, Corn Stover, Grass) during three seasons (spring, summer, and autumn) on soil physicochemical properties and hydrological response. A rainfall simulator was used (58 mm h− 1 for 30 min) in an intensively managed apple orchard on a Vertisol in Croatia. Portable X-ray fluorescence was employed to determine soil and sediment concentrations of phosporus (P), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Tillage treatment showed lower water stable aggregates and soil organic matter during all three seasons compared to treatments with surface cover. Surface cover affected hydrological response in spring and autumn, thus mitigating time to ponding, time to runoff, runoff, and sediment loss (SL). The summer period was characterized by soil cracking during the dry period, which severely affected hydrological properties, where the infiltration was high enough to mitigate any erosion process. Element losses were positively correlated with SL, thus making them prone to transfer down the slope. Soil water content was highly related to P, Cu, and Zn, affecting their solubility and movement. This study affirmed the positive effects of mulch use and grass cover on the soil properties, hydrological response, and element losses. While these results confirm the positive effects of sustainable management, further investigation is required in terms of experiment duration, to gain precise results to develop a strong strategy in tackling erosion processes.