Agriculture is a significant part of California’s economy, considering the farms and laborers statewide. As the climate crisis arrives, examining the state’s soil and how it will affect the future is essential. With poor quality, California could be in danger. Here’s what you need to know.
From the strawberries of Santa Barbara to the cattle of Del Norte, California needs functional soil to feed families and move the supply chain. However, here are three reasons why the state’s soil quality has recently changed.
The lack of rain in California has significantly contributed to the soil quality by depriving it of moisture. Without consistent water, the salinity levels increase, and degradation continues. The ground relies on microbial activity and plentiful nutrients, but the drought issues have only worsened in the last two centuries.
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) says California has become drier since 1895, with recent periods only exacerbating the droughts. These dry conditions affect the soil directly and indirectly.
The recent Southern California wildfires have devasted Los Angeles and the greater metropolitan area. Each time this natural disaster occurs, the state’s soil takes a hit regardless of the region. For instance, the University of California-Davis study revealed the effects of smoke exposure and found it reduced yields in nut harvests.
Wildfires harm the soil by destroying organic matter that binds particles together. Without this composition, the earth cannot control water and air entering. Some areas introduce controlled wildfires to boost soil fertility, but uncontrolled instances can inflict permanent damage through harmful chemical changes.
Some qualities of California soil are inherent, yet a significant problem. The ground’s lack of nitrogen and phosphorus makes agriculture more challenging. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth because it helps capture sunlight, while phosphorus transfers the sun’s energy into adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Compensating for the lack of nitrogen and phosphorus has meant using synthetic fertilizers. While these solutions help farmer’s yields, they can negatively affect the soil. A 2023 study found that packaged organic fertilizers have higher environmental impacts than other agricultural products. Therefore, California farmers should focus more on organic materials to combat food insecurity.
While soil quality has declined, there is hope for the future. Here are three strategies to solve the issues and improve agriculture for future generations.
Improving soil quality starts with agricultural technologies. When professionals study the ground, they need advanced soil probes that provide the most detailed information. Moisture levels, structure and nutrient content are some characteristics you can learn from these devices. Modern probes can reach 25 feet deep, making the job easier.
Another pivotal technology for California soil quality is carbon sequestration. With this concept, you capture the carbon dioxide (CO2) from the soil and store it instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. This helps the ground maintain or increase its organic matter and improve its structure.
While California soil is enduring the climate crisis, state agencies and nonprofit organizations are combating the issue. For example, the Department of Agriculture provides funding through the Healthy Soils Program (HSP). In this initiative, the state financially assists conservation management in improving soil health and carbon sequestration.
Other sources of assistance come from California agencies, such as the On-Farm Compost Work Group. This organization provides online resources to help farmers compost and meet regulations on all levels. With this assistance, agriculturalists can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while allowing the soil to retain water.
Water is a significant topic in California, considering the droughts and shortages. The state’s water shortages — especially in the summer — require significant planning and restrictions. Soil suffers during droughts, so improved water management is necessary to protect it. Without management improvements, experts say water delivery and reliability could decline by 23% over the next 20 years.
Thanks to modern innovation, Californians have more tools to aid the soil. As artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) develop, advanced technologies will drive water supply management over the next decade. These systems track water levels and quality more rapidly and develop solutions. Other process improvements include improved wastewater treatment and reduced use of chemicals known as PFAS.
California’s soil quality matters to its residents and the rest of the world. The changing climate means it’s necessary to determine the root causes of the decline and find solutions. While droughts and wildfires have damaged the earth, advanced technologies and state programs are combating the issues.
