Erosion‐induced nutrient stock redistribution and its agronomic implications in Atlantic Canada

Abstract

Connecting soil nutrient stocks with nutrient transport generates a meaningful indicator for evaluating sustainability in agricultural systems. Soil erosion remains a critical challenge for sustainable agriculture, affecting soil quality, nutrients, and crop productivity globally. In Canada, soil erosion is a serious concern in regions with topographically complex landscapes and intensive farming systems, such as potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) production in Atlantic Canada. Previous research from New Brunswick has shown that tillage erosion causes significant soil redistribution on steep and cultivated slopes, highlighting the need for better erosion management strategies. This study builds on previous research by examining how soil redistribution affects nutrient stocks. This study used field‐based measurements, specifically caesium‑137 ( ¹³⁷ Cs) and key soil nutrients, to assess how soil erosion impacts nutrient redistribution across the landscape. A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) approach was also used to test whether soil redistribution affects crop yield directly or through changes in soil fertility status. ¹³⁷ Cs inventory showed a decreasing trend from level crest to divergent shoulder and upper depression, consistent with active soil erosion, though this pattern was not statistically significant at the toposequence‐class level. The patterns of nutrient stocks (e.g., total nitrogen, soil organic carbon, magnesium, and calcium) closely matched the patterns of the ¹³⁷ Cs redistribution. Additionally, the redistribution patterns indicated that erosion processes transported soil and nutrients downslope and toward central areas, leading to enrichment in lower slopes and low‐lying regions. These findings provided insights into how erosion processes affect soil and crop productivity, identifying areas for targeted conservation practices.