Changes in soil temperature during drought conditions can affect soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and increase the release of carbon dioxide. During this process additional mineral N, mostly in the form of nitrate, will be released in the soil system.
Extended periods of drought can contribute to soil erosion, but doesn’t directly cause it. Drought can kill off vegetation, which normally would help hold soil together in conditions like high winds or heavy rains. What are some of the problems caused by drought?
How does drought affect soil N pools?
In summary, drought decreased mineral N uptake by plants and reduced NO 3− leaching and NH 4+ oxidation, resulting in increased mineral N concentration (NH 4+ and NO 3−) for all ecosystems. The effects of drought on soil N pools can also be modified by two processes are: 1) N mineralization and 2) nitrification.
Does drought cause erosion?
Drought can cause soil erosion due to the effects of wind and flooding. The drying out of soil causes cracks which reduce the volume of the soil.
How much soil loss from runoff is due to drought?
Long term research at six former Soil Conservation Service Research Centers shows that 90 % of soil loss from runoff plots comes from only 10% of runoff events, and was almost entirely confined to periods when groundcover was below 50%. Drought (and/or overgrazing) creates the conditions for these levels of erosion to occur.
Our best answer was erosion of soil is a part of soil forming process BUT ONLY WITHIN PERMISSIBLE LIMITS excess of soil erosion is hazardous to ecosystem .
How do droughts affect the environment?
In addition, there are agricultural droughts that can impact crop production and cause changes to the natural distribution of various species. The farms themselves can also cause droughts to happen as soil is depleted and therefore cannot absorb as much water, but they can be impacted by natural droughts as well.
The effect of drought can be noticed very clearly on crop performance when the lack of water availability is severe. This water stress can affect soil chemical, physical, and biological activities that are essential for plant and soil health.
Another thing we asked ourselves was what is the cause of drought?
The onset of drought is usually associated with the establishment of an anticyclone. Abundant solar heat and dry air create increased evaporation (atmospheric drought), and soil moisture reserves are depleted without replenishment by rainfall (soil drought). What happens during a drought?
What is the best way to protect soil from drought?
Retaining crop residues will best protect cropping soils going into and during drought. If, despite management, soils do become bare, rough ploughing to bring up clods may reduce wind erosion, and contour ripping is useful to reduce runoff and water erosion.