Healthy soil can protect land from soaring heat. But our map shows where soil is suffering
Imagine walking into a double-brick house on a scorching 40°C summer day – it feels cool almost straight away. Now imagine stepping into a corrugated tin shed – it feels like an oven. The difference is simple: some materials slow heat down, while others let it rush through. Soil works in a similar way. Soil in fully functioning condition can act as a thermal buffer: a giant shock absorber for temperature. It holds water and organic matter such as leaf litter, and slows sharp
New research has revealed significant "thermal gaps" across Australia, indicating that soil is losing its ability to regulate ground temperatures during heatwaves. Healthy soil acts as a natural insulator, slowing heat absorption and maintaining stable temperatures, much like a well-insulated building. However, degraded or dry soils, particularly sandy types with low ground cover, heat up rapidly, leaving plant roots vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
The study mapped the continent's soil thermal buffering capacity, comparing natural potential with current conditions. Results highlight that while clay-rich soils and certain iron-rich soils in northern Australia retain good heat-buffering properties, many areas, especially in southeastern and central Australia, are experiencing a decline in this crucial function.
This research matters because compromised soil buffering capacity exacerbates the impact of heatwaves on agriculture and ecosystems, potentially affecting food production and local climate patterns.
📌 Kaynak
Bu özet The Conversation AU kaynağından otomatik derlenmiştir. Tamamı için orijinal habere gidin.
Orijinal haberi oku →