The Potential Impact of Climate Change on Soil Properties and Processes and Corresponding Influence on Food Security

According to the IPCC, global temperatures are expected to increase between 1.1 and 6.4 °C during the 21st century and precipitation patterns will be altered. Soils are intricately linked to the atmospheric/climate system through the carbon, nitrogen, and hydrologic cycles. Because of this, altered...

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Main Author: Eric C. Brevik
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2013-07-01
Series:Agriculture
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/3/3/398
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author Eric C. Brevik
author_facet Eric C. Brevik
author_sort Eric C. Brevik
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description According to the IPCC, global temperatures are expected to increase between 1.1 and 6.4 °C during the 21st century and precipitation patterns will be altered. Soils are intricately linked to the atmospheric/climate system through the carbon, nitrogen, and hydrologic cycles. Because of this, altered climate will have an effect on soil processes and properties. Recent studies indicate at least some soils may become net sources of atmospheric C, lowering soil organic matter levels. Soil erosion by wind and water is also likely to increase. However, there are many things we need to know more about. How climate change will affect the N cycle and, in turn, how that will affect C storage in soils is a major research need, as is a better understanding of how erosion processes will be influenced by changes in climate. The response of plants to elevated atmospheric CO2 given limitations in nutrients like N and P, and how that will influence soil organic matter levels, is another critical research need. How soil organic matter levels react to changes in the C and N cycles will influence the ability of soils to support crop growth, which has significant ramifications for food security. Therefore, further study of soil-climate interactions in a changing world is critical to addressing future food security concerns.
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spelling doaj.art-93887c78bcfd412eb7ec890c53653f022022-12-21T22:40:55ZengMDPI AGAgriculture2077-04722013-07-013339841710.3390/agriculture3030398The Potential Impact of Climate Change on Soil Properties and Processes and Corresponding Influence on Food SecurityEric C. BrevikAccording to the IPCC, global temperatures are expected to increase between 1.1 and 6.4 °C during the 21st century and precipitation patterns will be altered. Soils are intricately linked to the atmospheric/climate system through the carbon, nitrogen, and hydrologic cycles. Because of this, altered climate will have an effect on soil processes and properties. Recent studies indicate at least some soils may become net sources of atmospheric C, lowering soil organic matter levels. Soil erosion by wind and water is also likely to increase. However, there are many things we need to know more about. How climate change will affect the N cycle and, in turn, how that will affect C storage in soils is a major research need, as is a better understanding of how erosion processes will be influenced by changes in climate. The response of plants to elevated atmospheric CO2 given limitations in nutrients like N and P, and how that will influence soil organic matter levels, is another critical research need. How soil organic matter levels react to changes in the C and N cycles will influence the ability of soils to support crop growth, which has significant ramifications for food security. Therefore, further study of soil-climate interactions in a changing world is critical to addressing future food security concerns.http://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/3/3/398climate changefood securitysoil propertiessoil processessoil health/quality
spellingShingle Eric C. Brevik
The Potential Impact of Climate Change on Soil Properties and Processes and Corresponding Influence on Food Security
Agriculture
climate change
food security
soil properties
soil processes
soil health/quality
title The Potential Impact of Climate Change on Soil Properties and Processes and Corresponding Influence on Food Security
title_full The Potential Impact of Climate Change on Soil Properties and Processes and Corresponding Influence on Food Security
title_fullStr The Potential Impact of Climate Change on Soil Properties and Processes and Corresponding Influence on Food Security
title_full_unstemmed The Potential Impact of Climate Change on Soil Properties and Processes and Corresponding Influence on Food Security
title_short The Potential Impact of Climate Change on Soil Properties and Processes and Corresponding Influence on Food Security
title_sort potential impact of climate change on soil properties and processes and corresponding influence on food security
topic climate change
food security
soil properties
soil processes
soil health/quality
url http://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/3/3/398
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AT ericcbrevik potentialimpactofclimatechangeonsoilpropertiesandprocessesandcorrespondinginfluenceonfoodsecurity