We had the opportunity at the DLD conference in Munich a few days ago to show the importance of soil and vegetation as an economic basis for all our lives, but also as an importance for healthy food and the climate (or climate cooling) (here the link to the panel recording). The panel exchange was unfortunately only short, but the feedback – especially interesting because a very different audience than usual – was super.
Wow, 70°C on the tilled soil (38°C air temperature). Incredible. In comparison, the patchy clover right next to it is 33°C cooler!
I am tempted to exclaim: If you want to cool the planet, cover the soil!
More on the background of the influence of land use on climate and water cycle in my UNEP paper, presentation, conference “Climate Landscapes”.
Mind the difference between air temperature measured in 2m height and at the ground:
Ecological research heavily relies on coarse-gridded climate data based on standard- ized temperature measurements recorded at 2 m height in open landscapes. However, many organisms experience environmental conditions that differ substantially from those captured by these macroclimatic (i.e. free air) temperature grids. […]. We found that sub-canopy air tem- peratures differ substantially from free-air temperatures, being on average 2.1°C (standard deviation ± 1.6°C) lower in summer and 2.0°C higher (±0.7°C) in winter across Europe.
Been out again yesterday, and made a few new measurements. Astonishing the high temperatures on the open ground with >50°C – as hot as the asphalt. And also fascinating the comparison between “on the mulch” and “under the mulch” for vegetables: 24°C difference.
Yesterday, at gentle 24 ° C air temperature, I measured the soil surface temperatures (for the first time). On the areas with open soil in the corn field of our neighbour: over 50°C. In the clover grass on our side: 26°C.
It’s amazing how the soil heats up (and was another 6°C warmer than the (rough) road next to it). Problematic not only for the soil life, soil water and for many crops. Also not good for the climate, because of warming of air temperature in this area, increased heat radiation, on larger areas potential development of high pressure areas, possible reduction of precipitation, … For more see my UNEP article and presentation, and the Climate Landscapes conference.
Very good article on the functioning of soil life and its importance for plant growth, the water cycle and the planet´s health.
New research shows forest restoration schemes should prioritise restoring native forests for greatest climate and environmental benefits. However these benefits have a trade-off with wood production in comparison with tree plantations.
The faster growth of trees in plantations managed for timber or pulp production implies greater uptake of water from the soil, which leaves less water for replenishing the groundwater reserves that sustain streams, especially in drier areas. To make matters worse, trees in such plantations are typically harvested more frequently than those in native forests, leading to greater soil disturbance and poorer streamflow regulation.”