In Britain, the state of soil dryness has become a serious problem. With the increasing lack of moisture in the soil, lands in most parts of England and Wales are severely thirsty, and this issue could have dire consequences for agriculture and the ecosystem of the country.
Definition of Soil Moisture Deficit
Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD) refers to the amount of moisture that the soil needs to absorb to reach its full capacity. When the land is fully moist and excess water is drained from it, it is said to be at "field capacity." Soil moisture deficit specifically measures the amount of rainfall needed to fill the soil to its field capacity.
In winter, SMD in southern England is usually around zero. However, in summer, this amount rises to about 100 millimeters and in dry years, it may increase to 150 millimeters or more. The ultimate point of dryness is where the soil has no water available for plants, referred to as the "Permanent Wilting Point (PWP)."
Consequences of Soil Dryness
With the increase in SMD, farmers and researchers are concerned about the negative impacts on crop yields and soil quality. This dryness can lead to reduced agricultural outputs, increased irrigation costs, and even threaten food security. Additionally, natural ecosystems are also affected, and biodiversity may be at risk.
Officials and researchers are seeking solutions to manage water resources and improve soil conditions. In this regard, the need for research and development of innovative and sustainable technologies to maintain soil moisture and optimize water consumption is felt more than ever.
