The long term fertilization trials in Halle (Saale), Germany

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The soils of our planet are essential for sustaining plant growth, forming the basis of human existence, as around 98% of food is produced by terrestrial ecosystems. However, due to erosion, desertification, and urban development, the usable soil area is decreasing by approximately 10 million hectares annually. This loss coincides with a rapid population increase, projected to reach 8.5 billion by 2020. Consequently, a diminishing soil area must support a growing population, presenting a significant challenge: to enhance plant production per unit of land while minimizing resource inputs and preserving soil fertility under uncertain and changing climatic conditions. Research is crucial for formulating effective agricultural and environmental policies, necessitating a deep understanding of how soils and agroecosystems respond to various cultivation, fertilization practices, and climate factors. This knowledge can only be acquired through long-term studies, as the impacts of human activity and natural factors unfold gradually due to ecosystems' buffer capacity, often becoming quantifiable only over time.