The Effects of Global Warming on Soil Salinity
The overall increase in global temperature caused by an increase in the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases is known as global warming (Crate and Mark 2). Anthropogenic forcing, or human actions that either restrict the amount of greenhouse gases that are absorbed from the atmosphere or increase their production and release into the atmosphere, is one of the main causes of global warming (Memmott et al. 715).
Impact on Soil Salinity
Increased instances of climate change and its repercussions are the result of the process. Such a rise in temperature might cause higher rates of evaporation, which would leave the soil with a lot of salts (Root et al. 57). Consequently, soil salinity would increase and affect Brassica Rapa in various ways as would be determined in the experiment.
In the past century, the temperature has gradually increased due to the accumulation of more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (Paerl and Valerie 1350). The gases reflect back the infrared radiation from the earth’s surface, and since the radiation cannot escape to the outer space, temperature on the earth rises (Mendelsohn, William and Daigee 754). Furthermore, there is a positive correlation between the rise in temperature and salinization of the soil (Parmesan 1869). In other words, the two parameters are directly proportional, whereby increasing temperatures accelerate evaporation rates. Consequently, increased evaporation leaves less soil moisture while raising the salt concentration levels (Taylor 881).
Effects on Soil Quality and Ecological Impacts
Soil salinization has many effects including changes in soil quality and associated impacts. Most living organisms are pH specific, whether marine or terrestrial (Ashraf and McNeilly 158). In the soil, for instance, plants are adapted to specific pH levels, and any changes could result in detrimental implications on biological diversity of affected areas (Chinnusamy et al. 440). Other than biodiversity and ecological problems, economic concerns would also rise in case food crops and cash crops are affected. Organisms such as some Brassica Rapa species are food crops, and changes in soil pH would make it difficult to grow them. At the same time, during rainfall, the concentrated soils are washed by stormwater to water bodies such rivers and lake as well as the marine ecosystem (Bui 15). Alteration of pH levels of both freshwater and marine ecosystems would significantly affect organisms in such habitats.
Brassica Rapa: Importance and Characteristics
Brassica Rapa is an angiosperm (flowering plant) that belongs to the family of Brassicacaceae. The species has different tolerance to both temperature and salinity under different levels of concentration (Zhang et al. 65). The species is a good choice for the experiment because of its faster germination rate and rapid life cycle, which makes it easier to monitor during the experiment. Brassica Rapa species such as turnip and Chinese cabbage are important nutritional sources of food for people (Kumar et al. 6). The species not only has an ecological significance but also economic importance because of its demand in most countries. Consequently, determination of the effects of temperature and salinity on such plants is crucial because of their importance.
Purpose of the Experiment
The purpose of this experimental research is to determine the joint effect of temperature and salinity on Brassica Rapa and help in predicting its survival and ways of improving the species with the increasing cases of global warming and climate change. Given the ecological and economic importance of Brassica Rapa, the experiment will help in projecting how the species would behave under different levels of stress and help in ensuring its survival. For example, the subjection of the species to different salt level solutions such as (0, 4, 8, 12g/L) and different temperatures such as (25, 30, 35°C) on Brassica Rapa would provide insight on how the species would grow and tolerate various stress levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rising temperatures due to increased emission of greenhouse gases and global warming have put more stress on most organisms. With such trends, it is important to analyze their effects on plants particularly on temperature and salinity. Rising temperature leads to increase evaporation and concentration of salts in the soil. Experimenting with such effects would help project future outcomes and survival of species such as Brassica Rapa.
Works Cited
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