An international study by the “Functional Ecology” research group at the University of Innsbruck shows how much heat and recurring periods of drought affect soils. The researchers found that rising temperatures lead to a general loss of moisture in the soil. Repeated drought makes it increasingly difficult for the soil to absorb water – with serious consequences for the growth and regeneration of plants. While higher CO2 concentrations show positive short-term effects such as more efficient water use by plants, these are overshadowed by the negative effects of drought, according to the study. The results illustrate how complex the interactions between soil and plants are and what challenges the climate crisis poses for ecosystems. The study underlines the need to develop new strategies to stabilize ecosystems in order to strengthen their resilience to climate change. [ Tirol ORF report] Sustainable solutions from Green Legacy
Green Legacy has developed a strategy and products to meet these challenges over many years of development work. Water-storing granules can be used specifically in agriculture, viticulture, horticulture or forestry to store water more efficiently and provide plants with sufficient water even during dry periods. The granules (hydrogel) bind water and slowly release it back to the plants. This reduces water consumption and increases the resilience of plants during dry periods. This technology makes an important contribution to adapting to climate change and to the sustainable use of our resources.
Drought and the climate crisis: new findings on the impact on soils
