Project
Influence of weather extremes on soil quality
The KNMI has reported that the Netherlands are increasingly confronted with more extreme weather conditions. It is not yet sufficiently clear how and to what extent these weather extremes affect soil quality and what the subsequent impact is on the production capacity, groundwater quality and soil biodiversity. In this preliminary study, we take a first step towards filling these gaps in knowledge.
Soil quality is the ability of the soil to function within the boundaries of land use and to allow the ecosystem to contribute to ecosystem services (Soil Mission Support). It is the sum of chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil. The current state of the soil (soil health) can be read with appropriate indicators for the three aspects.
Much is still unclear about the influence of weather extremes on soil quality: which chemical, physical and biological indicators are most vulnerable? What is the impact on crop production and the quantity and quality of ground and surface water? The role of management on agricultural companies is of importance. Farmers adapt their management to current or expected circumstances. Examples of responsive management are digging trenches immediately after peak showers and purchasing extra roughage after/during droughts.
By a literature study, analyzing available data from the Business Information Network and analyzing the data available at KNMI and at various experimental farms, we try to determine the mechanisms in the relationships between extreme weather conditions and soil quality for clay and sandy soils. In this preliminary study we also focus on the role of (responsive) management.
We will get insight in useful and effective management measures by analyzing available data, along with interviews, to limit the negative effects of weather extremes on the physical, chemical and biological soil quality.
This preliminary study results in a recommendation of further research, including the implementation of field experiments and model studies.