Summary
This systematic review synthesises the complex interactions between soil, plants, and atmosphere under climate change, emphasising how altered precipitation, temperature increases, and extreme weather events degrade soil structure and disrupt nutrient cycles, ultimately threatening agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability. The analysis reveals that whilst elevated atmospheric CO2 enhances photosynthesis, this benefit is undermined by nutrient limitations and phenological mismatches. Critically, positive feedback loops—particularly reduced carbon sequestration driving further greenhouse gas emissions—amplify climate impacts, necessitating integrated mitigation and adaptation strategies including climate-resilient farming practices and renewable energy transitions.
Regional applicability
UK agriculture faces similar climate stressors (increased precipitation intensity, temperature fluctuations, extreme weather) that disrupt soil health and crop performance; the review's emphasis on climate-resilient agricultural practices and soil management aligns with UK policy priorities around sustainable farming and net-zero commitments. However, UK-specific soil types, rainfall patterns, and existing farming infrastructure may require localised adaptation of the globally-derived recommendations.
Key measures
Soil structure integrity; nutrient cycling efficiency; plant physiological responses; carbon sequestration rates; greenhouse gas emissions; phenological timing; biodiversity impacts; photosynthetic performance under elevated CO2
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised evidence on how climate change disrupts soil structure, nutrient cycling, and plant growth through altered precipitation, elevated temperatures, and extreme weather events. It evaluated feedback mechanisms linking decreased carbon sequestration to increased greenhouse gas emissions and identified critical gaps in understanding system resilience under climatic stressors.
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