Influence of changing patterns of precipitation and temperature on tropical soil ecosystem

Abstract

Tropical soils are nutrient limited and are markedly influenced by seasonality. The seasonal precipitation affects soil wet-dry cycle and has significant consequences for ecosystem functioning and processes. It has been predicted that in tropical countries, a substantial change will occur in the annual mean temperature and precipitation regimes in the future. However, we have little knowledge as to how the soil properties and processes will change with the change in the climatic conditions in tropics. In this chapter, we have tried to collate studies related to the effect of changing climatic condition (temperature and precipitation) on the soil in the tropics. The change in precipitation, than temperature, has more impact on the ecosystem processes in the tropics. Within the tropics the moist and dry ecosystems respond differently to the change in precipitation. Perhaps experimental studies using rain-out shelters may provide more precise information on the effect of the changing pattern of precipitation and drought on the health and vigour of tropical soils. There is a conspicuous lack of literature on the effect of temperature on tropical soils; for getting a complete picture and more precise information, we need more focused studies related to climate change in the tropical region.