Possible Impacts of Climate Change on Forest Soil Health

Abstract

A changing climate could induce a myriad of changes in forests and thus in forest soil health at the global scale, as a consequence of both direct and indirect impacts. The direct effects include increased temperature and atmospheric concentration of CO2, changes in precipitation and the frequency and severity of extreme climatic events such as heatwaves, droughts, storms (rain, ice and wind) and frosts. The indirect effects can be very significant and rapid, and are mediated, in particular, by changes in the frequency and impacts of outbreaks of pests and pathogens, changes in fire regimes and changes in vegetation growth and species composition (including from invasive species), which affect litter inputs and many associated soil processes. Changes in soil health will be location specific -- determined by very complex interactions between climate, terrain, vegetation and soil type. Significant soil change can occur within days following severe disturbances, but may also take many decades when associated with succession of vegetation. Soil change can also be either moderated or magnified by management responses to the risks or opportunities created by climate change. While many important soil properties and processes can be affected, soil organic matter is a key variable affecting the health and fertility of forest soils that is very sensitive to both climate change and forest management.