As Earth experiences the worst-case scenario, facing global warming, climate change, and pollution, we become more and more aware that there might be nothing to do to save the planet.
Recent study shows how two factors play a significant role in climate change: elevated ozone and temperatures levels. These two issues appear to have negative effects on soybean plant roots, wrecking their connection with the microorganisms in the soil.
Here is what you need to know.
Global Warming Where To: Earth Has a Bleak Future
A team of researchers from the North Carolina State University came up with a way of examining the interchange of raised ozone and temperatures levels. What they found is genuinely intriguing yet shocking.
New study insights
Shuijin Hu, a professor of plant pathology at NC State, released a statement:
“Ozone and warming levels have been shown to be very stressful to a lot of crops – not just soybeans – and a lot of grasses and tree species.”
For the study, researchers examined:
- plots with elevated levels of both ozone and warming,
- plots of soybeans with raised air temperatures of around 3 degrees Celsius,
- plots with higher levels of ozone,
- plots with no modifications.
What did they find?
The team discovered that warming and elevated ozone levels affect soybean roots, making them thinner as they store up resources to get the needed nutrients.
Hu explained that he was pretty shocked that the plants’ shoots weren’t that much affected by the increased ozone and warming levels. Most likely, these two factors have changed the type of AMF that inhabits soybean plants.
The team will continue to examine the systems surrounding carbon sequestration in soil and the greenhouse gas emissions from soil, including nitrous oxide.
Raising awareness about these issues and supporting the scientific field is essential.
