ABSTRACT
In addition to the impact of historical climatic factors on soil genesis, currently anticipated climatic changes caused by an accelerated “greenhouse effect” can alter soil temperature and moisture regimes in the future with strong associated impacts on soil respiration, soil organic carbon and N pools, soil structure, erosion, salinization, and biomass productivity. Soil processes can, fortunately, be purposefully managed to have some reciprocal influence on atmospheric processes. The immanence of an accelerated greenhouse effect due to anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) has enhanced the interest of researchers and policy makers in identifying sinks that can absorb and sequester gaseous emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2). The capacity of the soil to produce biomass and have a moderating effect on the environment is strongly influenced by climatic processes. The climate changes currently expected to result from increases in atmospheric concentrations of CO2 will both increase soil temperature and alter patterns of precipitation and evaporation, leading to changes in soil moisture regimes.
