Abstract

Purpose Production systems require a high input of external nutrients through inorganic fertilizers to achieve potential yields. In southern-austral Chile, the predominance of soils derived from volcanic ash requires a notably high input of phosphorus (P) fertilizers in agricultural production. The objective of this research was to evaluate the trend of available P levels in agroecosystems after 12 years of governmental financial support to the agricultural sector through a SIRSD-S program. Methods A database of farmers from 2 regions of the South-Austral macro-zone of the country was used. Database corresponds to the period 2010 to 2023 with 42,621 soil samples from the SIRSD-S program. The trends of available P (P Olsen) in the soils were described by using a ridge plot (Joyplot). Results The results showed an increase of available P levels in soils, depending on the type of farm and region evaluated. This increase surprisingly reached P levels considered potentially contaminating for agroecosystems (> 60 mg kg-1). Conclusions It is therefore necessary to regulate and track these programs, thus promoting the fertilization of productive systems not only for economic purposes, but also considering environmental perspectives that permit the sustainability of soil resources over time.