To address the issue of food security in the context of climate change, we have to understand the climate, soil and agricultural production continuum. Decreased soil quality, due to loss of soil organic matter, will affect essential soil properties, including nutrient availability, soil structure, water-holding capacity and erosion capacity. Soil invertebrates perform vital functions which contribute to the nutritional content and help maintain soil structure, and health. In the last few decades, advances in agriculture technology have led to increased food production and bolstered food security. These are soil erosion both by water and air; salinization/alkalinity; acidity; organic carbon losses; nutrient imbalance; pollution/contamination by toxic substances; and soil sealing and capping.

Source: Mint October 17, 2016 18:33 UTC