Climate change 'may be damaging soil quality and phosphorous levels'

New research has concluded that alterations brought about by climate change may have a negative impact upon soil quality over the coming years.

Conducted by North Wyke Research, the project examined the impact changing rainfall patterns could have on crop growth, drinking water and recreational sports.

It found that the rate at which dried soil is rehydrated could increase the amount of phosphorous lost from it.

Leader of the research Dr Martin Blackwell commented: "This is really worrying because high phosphorus concentrations in surface waters can lead to harmful algal blooms which can be toxic, cause lack of oxygen during their decay and disrupt food webs."

He added that it could also affect drinking water quality and supplies used for recreational sports.

Last month, the Gates Foundation donated $24 million (£16.8 million) to research projects examining crops' resistance to insects, drought, disease and soil quality.