How Climate Change Impacts Soil’s Vital Organisms
It’s easy to overlook the bustling activity that happens beneath our feet in the soil. Thousands of mites and springtails play a crucial role in moving carbon into the soil, enhancing its structure, and providing nutrients for plant growth by consuming decaying matter. However, climate change-induced heat and drought are significantly impacting these soil-dwelling creatures, as highlighted in recent studies.
Research indicates that prolonged dry periods can lead to a 39 percent reduction in mite and springtail populations, with a one-degree Celsius temperature increase causing a nearly 10 percent decline in springtail numbers. High temperatures and lack of moisture directly affect these vital soil organisms.
Despite the rich biodiversity underground, soil invertebrates remain understudied, posing a challenge in understanding their contributions to the ecosystem. As our knowledge of soil organisms grows, we are recognizing their critical role in stabilizing the climate.
For instance, fungi in the soil work in collaboration with plants to absorb substantial amounts of carbon, equivalent to a significant portion of global annual fossil fuel emissions. Urgent conservation and restoration efforts are needed to protect soil health, with the United Nations warning that 90 percent of the Earth’s topsoil could be degraded by 2050.
Implementing sustainable land management practices such as no-till farming, sustainable grazing, and planting cover crops can enhance agricultural production, improve soil fertility, increase carbon storage, and reduce erosion of topsoil. These practices offer multiple benefits for both people and the planet in combating climate change.
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Emily Carter, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Vancouver, has a deep-seated passion for the ocean that has shaped her career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of British Columbia, Emily has become known for her captivating and detailed storytelling. Her work vividly portrays the excitement of sailing and the distinct maritime culture of Canada, earning her a respected place in the sailing community. When not writing, Emily enjoys navigating the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and participating in local regattas, always eager to embark on her next maritime adventure.