Researchers at Rothamsted Research have found that converting grassland into arable farmland can severely damage soil health and increase water pollution. Using long-term field-scale data from the North Wyke Farm Platform in Devon, scientists compared permanent pasture, improved grassland, and land converted for crop production under real farming conditions.
The study revealed that soil quality declined rapidly after grassland was turned into arable land. Soil organic matter fell by 45%, while soil carbon and nitrogen both dropped by 41%, and phosphorus levels decreased by 61%. Researchers said these losses threaten long-term soil fertility and the sustainability of food production.
Scientists also recorded major increases in pollution entering waterways, with nitrogen losses in runoff rising by 200 to 300 times after conversion. In contrast, permanent pasture maintained more stable soil nutrients and acted as a stronger carbon sink. Experts from Rothamsted Research warned that food production goals must be balanced carefully with the protection of soil, water, and other natural resources.
Read more news here