Toronto University: Soil will feel effects of climate change

Research from Toronto University has said that not only will climate change impact upon the air but also upon soil.

The project found that as the atmosphere warms up, the molecular structure of soil's organic matter will change, which will in turn alter its richness and its ability to decompose materials.

Not only this, but it will also release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as a result, the university's report claimed.

By warming soil to several degrees higher than its usual temperature, the researchers were able to study it molecular values, something scientists typically find problematic.

Leader of the study Myrna Simpson stated: "From the perspective of agriculture, we can't afford to lose carbon from the soil because it will change soil fertility and enhance erosion."

Last week, China released the results of a soil-related study which revealed that some parts of the country are in danger of suffering from serious soil erosion within the next 50 years.