Climate change and its impact on soil health: Mitigation strategies

Climate change poses a profound threat to global soil health, disrupting the delicate balance of physical, chemical, and biological properties that sustain terrestrial ecosystems and food systems. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, increased atmospheric CO₂, and extreme weather events are accelerating rates of soil degradation, including erosion, compaction, nutrient loss, and microbial imbalance. These changes not only impair soil productivity but also create feedback loops that exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions, making soil both a victim and contributor to climate change. This review explores the multifaceted impact of climate stressors on soil systems and evaluates a range of mitigation strategies aimed at preserving and restoring soil health. Approaches such as conservation agriculture, organic matter management, agroforestry, carbon sequestration, and precision soil monitoring offer scalable solutions to enhance soil resilience and agricultural sustainability. The paper also emphasizes the importance of policy frameworks, community engagement, and interdisciplinary research in achieving long-term climate adaptation. By integrating scientific innovation with traditional land stewardship, soil can be repositioned as a central asset in the fight against climate change.