Effects of climate change on agricultural soils

Publication date: 27/04/2020
Extent: 12 pages

Contributions by: Kennedy Were, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, Kenya; and Bal Ram Singh, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway

Chapter synopsis: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have increased considerably. In 2017, the atmospheric concentrations of CO2, N2O and CH4 had risen to 406 ppm, 330 ppb and 1859 ppb, respectively. Such high increases in GHGs have led to destructive and irreversible impacts on soil processes. The impacts range from a decline in carbon sequestration and soil health to increased soil temperatures, decomposition of soil organic matter, release and leaching of nutrients, increased microbial activity, salinization, alkalization and moisture stress. Climate-smart technologies, including conservation agriculture, precision agriculture, integrated nutrient management, residue retention, soil and water conservation, ago-forestry, controlled grazing and stocking rates, crop rotations, cover crops, biochar and improved plant varieties are some of the best-fit options for climate change mitigation and multiple environmental benefits. In this chapter, we highlight current knowledge on the effects of climate change on soil properties and processes, and a set of climate-smart technologies for climate change mitigation.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2020.0064.05