Better Soil Moisture Management May Improve Soil Properties in the Era of Climate Change
摘要
Soil, a crucial component in the global carbon cycle, stores approximately 1500 gigatons of carbon in the top 1 meter and 900 gigatons in the 1–2 m depth. Climate change significantly impacts soil health, which is defined as the soil’s ability to sustain plants, animals, and humans through its chemical, physical, and biological properties. Key threats to soil health include erosion, organic matter decline, contamination, compaction, and salinization, all exacerbated by climate change. Elevated temperatures increase soil organic matter decomposition, leading to higher CO2 emissions, altered soil moisture dynamics, and disrupted nutrient availability. Soil temperature influences water and nutrient dynamics, while changes in soil moisture impact plant growth, nutrient uptake, and microbial activity. Increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns further exacerbate soil erosion, particularly in arid regions where wind erosion can become severe. To mitigate these effects, adopting climate-resilient soil practices is essential. These include enhancing biomass production, implementing conservation tillage, applying nitrogen fertilizers judiciously, and utilizing soil mulching and stable carbon compounds like biochar. Additionally, promoting plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and effective moisture management can improve soil health and sustainability. This chapter reviews the impacts of climate change on soil properties, with a particular focus on soil moisture, and proposes strategies for adaptation and mitigation to support sustainable agriculture and soil management.